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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has served as a longstanding holiday tradition since its first march down two blocks in 1924 in Manhattan, New York.
Over the years, what started as a modest parade evolved into what it is today—a parade that includes large balloons, singing and performances over the span of about three hours.
According to its website, the parade kicks off at 9 a.m. EST at West 77th Street and Central Park West. There are two-and-a-half miles of the parade route for spectators to watch as the procession concludes in front of Macy's Herald Square.
Who and what can viewers expect to see this year at the parade?
Balloons
Bluey, a popular character from BBC's hit children's television series of the same name, will appear as one of 27 balloons at the parade. Per the parade's website, the balloon is 52 feet tall and 37 feet wide.
"Bluey was hand painted by a team of artists with approximately 50 gallons of blue paint," the website said.
Another beloved children's character will be at the parade—Snoopy—though the popular beagle is no stranger to the parade.
This marks the 43rd time Snoopy has appeared in the parade, the most of any balloon.
Viewers can also be on the lookout for a 51-foot Smokey Bear balloon on Thursday morning.
"Smokey Bear returns Thanksgiving morning to celebrate another year as the star of the longest-running public service advertising campaign in American history, and his message is extremely important since nearly nine out of 10 wildfires are started by humans," the website states.
In addition to popular characters, candy canes, pumpkins and holiday ornaments will also make their way down the route.
Musical Performances
This year, 12 marching bands and 16 musical guests will perform along the parade route.
The Marching Colonels of Bourbon County High School in Paris, Kentucky, will make its debut at the parade.
"In 2018, the band won the KMEA Class AAA State Championship and Bands of America Class A National Championship," Macy's website said.
Following a seven-year hiatus, the boyband Big Time Rush has gotten back together and will perform during the parade. First formed in 2009, the band consists of Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Logan Henderson and Carlos PenaVenga. The four also starred in the Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush.
Earlier this year, the band started a national tour, featuring new songs like "Honey" and "Not Giving You Up."
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jordin Sparks is set to perform on one of the many floats during the parade.
The winner of the sixth season of American Idol, Sparks participated in the 31st season of Dancing With the Stars.
Performance Groups
Viewers will be treated to seeing 10 performance groups at Thursday's parade.
The Sigma Gamma Rho Centennial Steppers, made up of undergraduate and alumni chapters, will make its appearance as the sorority celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Ballet Hispánico is an organization that will be featured during the parade, "[bringing] families together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training and enduring community arts partnerships," the Macy's website said.
Making an appearance at the parade once again is the Kilgore College Rangerettes, a group that marched in the parade several times and is known for performing at the college football Cotton Bowl game.
Viewers can watch the parade live on NBC, or stream it on Peacock.
About the writer
Catherine Ferris is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting for the U.S. Trends Team. She ... Read more