Balloons fly amid breezy Thanksgiving parade in New York
Astronaut Snoopy, a new version of a long-time parade favourite, was among the giant inflated characters leading the line-up.
The big balloons were flying a bit lower than usual due to the weather, but New Yorkers and visitors to the city were out in force to enjoy the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Astronaut Snoopy, a new version of a long-time parade favourite, was among the giant inflated characters leading the line-up.
Parade officials and the New York Police Department had been keeping an eye on wind gauges along the 2.5-mile parade route that snakes through Manhattan. The balloons are not allowed to fly if it is too windy.
Members of the Texas State University dance team perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Mark Lennihan/AP)
AP/PA Images
But Macy’s vice president Susan Tercero made an announcement half and hour before the parade started that the balloons would fly, albeit at a lower level.
If wind speeds had reached dangerous levels, the 16 helium balloons could still have been taken out of the parade.
The balloons have only been grounded once for weather-related reasons, in 1971.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Tune in to the #MacysParade at 9AM @nbc in your time zone. xo #ASeasonOfLove pic.twitter.com/7sxQqFxowX
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 28, 2019
The National Weather Service projected sustained winds of up to 24mph, with gusts of up to 40mph during the parade.
City rules require balloons to be grounded if sustained winds exceed 23mph and gusts exceed 34mph.
The parade, one of the city’s most popular events, features about 8,000 marchers, two dozen floats, and marching bands, ending with an appearance from Santa Claus.
Among the performers this year are actor Billy Porter of Pose, and singers Celine Dion, Kelly Rowland and Idina Menzel.
PA
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