Thanksgiving Cheer in NYC
The day after Thanksgiving brought thousands to the streets of New York City for the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, despite brisk winds. Balloons were kept lower than usual due to the gusty conditions, but that didn’t dampen the festive spirit as cheers erupted for the beloved Tom the Turkey float.
“Turkey, here! Come on, here!” echoed the shouts of children as confetti rained down.
Young Laura Condie was there bright and early at 6 a.m. with her mom, eagerly looking forward to the event. She mentioned excitedly, “I help my mom make hot chocolate. I have lots of jugs and pockets of hot chocolate,” although she admitted to tossing and turning the night before. “They brought me since I was 3, and now I’m 7. I was just so excited!”
One father shared his preparations, stating he arrived with his family at 3:45 p.m. the previous day. They brought cards, tablets, and plenty of warm drinks to stay entertained. “The dads always come early for the best spots. It’s been our tradition for five years,” he explained.
Clara Scott, celebrating her 8th birthday, happily waved a sign and donned a birthday crown. As parade participants high-fived her, she couldn’t contain her excitement, saying, “I want to see Darby the Tiger. I love the saxophone, the marching band, the balloons—everything.”
The City’s Crisis Management issued a weather warning anticipating winds of 20 to 30 mph during the parade, rising to 40 mph later, but the skies stayed clear as the festivities carried on.
For Alison Merrigan and her husband, the parade had long been a bucket list item after getting married earlier this year. She shared, “We’ve dreamt of this for ages—it’s been on TV for 30 years. Meeting Snoopy in person was amazing.”
Their family of 12, including a 2-month-old baby, started their day at 4 a.m. as they prepared to head to Central Park for dinner. “This is the most vibrant Thanksgiving we’ve ever had,” Alison remarked.
Meanwhile, 76-year-old Kathy Miller traveled from St. Petersburg, Florida, to experience the parade for the first time. “I used to watch it every year on TV, but nothing compares to seeing it live. This is so real, it’s just amazing,” she said with a big smile. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
