Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held

Thousands of people in NY were surrounded by tight security as they lined the streets for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

About 3.5 million people were expected to show up at the annual parade, a nationally televised ritual that starts the holiday shopping season with very big balloons shaped like cartoon characters.

A parade participant tosses confetti on, from center left, Annie Quinn, Lauren Quinn, Mark Rossman and Abby Quinn, all of Albany, New York, during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.

Originally known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade, the tradition was started by Macy’s employees who wanted to celebrate the holiday season with a grand pageant similar to the over-the-top carnivals and festivals of Europe. Only six high school bands from across the country were chosen for the honor to participate in the parade.

The SpongeBob Square Pants balloon moves down Sixth Avenue.

More than 80 city sanitation trucks will be used at intersections and other strategic spots along the 2 ½ mile parade route to create an imposing physical barrier to terror. Keeping herself warm in a coat and wearing cat ears, the 12-year-old girl played ukulele and performed “I Don’t Know My Name” in New York City.

When the parade originated in 1924, it was themed around Christmas. People knew the parade was coming to an end when the float carryng Santa passed by. Costumed characters and dozens of celebrities, including singers Tony Bennett and Sarah McLachlan and Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, were among the attendees.

The 2016 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade.

It was the 90th edition of the celebrated event, and featured one of it’s newest balloons – Charlie Brown from the cartoon strip, Peanuts. It’s possible that CBC affiliate channels will also be airing the parade (depending on your area) so make sure you check those channels out, too! He first appeared back in 1927.

Talk about a memorable trip to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Dancers left for New York Nov. 19 and will return after the parade on Nov. 26.

The performance is invitation-only, held by Spirit of America Productions.

HollywoodLifers, what did you think of Chloe x Halle’s awesome parade performance?

The Cast of Hairspray Live!

NBC also aired a 90th Anniversary Macy’s parade special, reflecting on past parades and the most spectacular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade moments over the last nine decades!