Each year, many American families gather on Thanksgiving morning to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This year the parade features six new floats: “Big City Cheer!” by Spirit of America Productions; “The Colonel’s Trip to NYC” from Kentucky Fried Chicken; “The Cranberry Collective” by Ocean Spray; “Discover Adventure” by Build-A-Bear; “Heartwarming Holiday Countdown” by Hallmark Channel; and “Snoopy’s Doghouse” by Peanuts Worldwide.
In addition, there will be four new large balloons at the parade: Dino by Sinclair Oil, Ronald McDonald, Ice Age’s Scrat and his Acorn by Twentieth Century Fox and Angry Birds’ Red.
Plus, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the 89th annual event — from how to watch to fun facts.
HOW TO WATCH
The parade will air live on NBC beginning at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving. Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie of the “TODAY Show” will anchor the parade.
FUN FACTS
• The first parade was in 1924. It was called the Macy’s Christmas Parade — even though it was on Thanksgiving.
• Live animals were used in the parade until 1927, when they were replaced by the now-iconic large balloons.
• The parade was canceled from 1942-1944 because of World War II.
• The largest balloon in this year’s parade is the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger; it’s 78 feet long.
• There will be more than 1,000 clowns in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• Celebrities in this year’s parade include Mariah Carey, Questlove, Train, Andy Grammer, Trey Songz, Daughtry, Jake Owen, Jordin Sparks, Panic! at the Disco, Sandra Lee, Pat Benatar and Plain White T’s.
