Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Come to Life

November 25, 2009 | New York City, New York | Vetting explained

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Last updated: November 25, 2009

CNN producer note

JoyfulGypsy told me that everyone who watched these balloons get inflated was having a wonderful time. 'It was pouring rain at times, but people didn’t seem to care!'
- hhanks, CNN iReport producer

iReport —

The night before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, thousands of New Yorkers and tourists gather to watch the famous giant helium parade balloons get inflated.

A tradition since 1927, the giant character balloons are slowly blown up and brought to life in the streets around the American Museum of Natural History. The enormous balloons take up two full city blocks. Nets and sandbags are used to keep the balloons from escaping during the night.

The action starts around 4:00 pm on Thanksgiving Eve on 77th & 81st Streets between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. This year brought periods of heavy rain, but that didn't stop the crowds from gathering and joining in the joyful festivities.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*All photos by Lulis Leal

* Music by www.incompetech.com (Royalty-Free Music)

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