Despite the rain and cold, thousands of spectators gathered for the 100th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, determined to celebrate this beloved tradition.
The forecast for Thursday morning warned of heavy rain and chilly temperatures, but that didn’t stop families and friends from wearing their colorful ponchos and jubilant Turkey hats as they made their way to the parade routes.
The Spirit of New York dance group was ready to perform, staying upbeat even in the unfavorable weather. Members arrived in clear ponchos over their uniforms, excited for the festivities to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
This year’s parade promised an exciting lineup, featuring 17 giant character balloons along with 22 floats, 15 novelty inflatables, 11 marching bands, and 700 clowns. The event also showcased performances from some of America’s most recognized entertainers.
Among the new floats making their debut were a creative knight and dragon display made from pasta, courtesy of Rao’s food brand, and a special float celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Bronx Zoo.
According to Weather Meteorologist Jordan Overton, parade-goers should be prepared for consistent rain throughout the day. “Chilly, cold rain is what you’re going to get,” he stated, urging everyone to wear rain jackets.
Despite the gloomy skies, the iconic balloon characters including Snoopy, Pikachu, and Bluey were expected to remain afloat, as the winds were forecasted to stay calm throughout the parade. While these impressive balloons can’t fly in winds exceeding 23 mph, this year, the winds were expected to remain below that limit.
As the parade continued despite the rain, it provided a festive atmosphere for all. The weather was forecasted to improve after Thanksgiving, allowing a clear and crisp Black Friday for eager shoppers embarking on their holiday shopping.
Though the rain may pose challenges for parade-goers, the spirit of the holiday and the sense of community filled the air, reminding everyone of the joy and warmth that Thanksgiving brings.
