Lil' Monsters in NYC: Check out The Macy's 85th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

         

Image via ZackRock on pinterest

Growing up I remember year after year waking up bright and early {and probably still dark as night out}, my mom making us kids wear several layers of clothes {sometimes the scarves had to be wrapped around our faces} and Thermos's were filled with hot chocolate as we got ready to start off our turkey day  with the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. Kids don't seem to feel the NYC frigid temperatures standing outside waiting for the first marching band to play and to catch a glimpse of that first favorite balloon character; float overhead. There have been a few years where we opted to stay home nice and toasty and watched the parade on television {it's still up in the air about CJ and I going this year}. I feel like it's something every New Yorker must do {as a rite of passage} at least once in their lifetime and that tourists will definitely want to see if they are visiting for the holiday.

Image from mentalfloss.com

The first parade that took place back in 1924 has evolved into something I'm sure Herbert Strauss{then president of R.H Macy & Co.} probably never dreamed would be so amazing. This Thanksgiving tradition continues to bring smiles to millions of viewers from right here in New York and all over the world. This year's new Giant balloons include The Aflac Duck Balloonicle by Aflac, Julius by Paul Frank {my fave} and my son CJ's anticipated favorite being reintroduced Sonic the Hedgehog that will be joining classics characters like Kermit the frog. There seems to be a lot of buzz over the new Novelty balloon B. by Tim Burton who's a freakishly cute lil character. Notable talent that will be highlighted at the parade are: Avril Lavigne, Cee Lo Green, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus, The Fresh Beat Band, Grandma & the Big Apple circus, Johnny Weir, Mary J. Blije, Neil Diamond, The smurfs and more. Enjoy being entertained by Bands and performance groups and pick your favorite floats that pass by! 

The Parade back in the 1930's 

Image source via katespadeny.tumblr.com

A menagerie of Balloons have floated through history in NYC and this year will mark it's 85th anniversary and will continue to be a tradition loved by millions for years to come. Have you ever wondered how the new balloons featured are picked? Read here and tell me What character would you like to see featured as a Helium balloon in a future parade?

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Pre-Parade Activities

image via:  www.nycgo.com

Kids of all ages will be amazed as they watch the larger than life balloons be filled with helium in preparation for tomorrow's parade. Rush the kids after school over to 77th and 81st streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue; enter at 79th street and Columbus Avenue from 3pm-10pm. 

image via: Amazon.com

For tonight's bedtime story run over to Barnes and Nobles and pick up "Balloons Over Broadway" by Cadelcott winner Melissa Sweet. With Sweets beautiful artwork the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, the visionary behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is told.


Let's Get Marching! Off to the Parade:   Tips for parade Goers

• Keep Warm: wear extra layers, bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa, coffee or tea. It would even be wise to park yourselves in front of a coffee shop or deli.
• Get there early: Don't under estimate the likelihood of a crowd, they will be there as early as 6am {some even earlier} If taking the subway check hopstop.com for directions and scheduled delays. Here's are the top 6 spots to view the parade.
• Pick a good spot to view the action: stay away from 34th street and Macy's you won't see much of anything. Columbus Circle is a good spot and you can always run into the Time Warner building or one of the Starbucks in the area to use the restroom. If you want to be finished early and have Turkey day lunch you should probably stay further Uptown.
• The Essentials needed: Make sure to have snacks to keep grumbling tummies down to a whisper, have a camera, and maybe even a folding picnic chair to cop a squat {as a kid, we always just sat on the sidewalk or on top of an uncles shoulders, a few years back another young woman helped me hold CJ up on the blue barricade so he could see} and make sure to have a few items to keep anxious kids busy: a book, a toy or a Leapster/Nintendo DS.

The parade will begin at 9am and starts at Central Park West and 77th street. Click here for more details on who & what you will see and hear at tomorrow's parade. Have a great time, count your blessings and Happy Turkey Day to you and yours!

Xoxo Dellah