The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become more than a holiday event—it’s a tradition that keeps on giving.
On that blustery Thursday, thousands of New Yorkers braved gusty winds to line the streets of Manhattan for the 99th installment of the spectacle. The giant balloons were flown a bit lower to dodge the strong breezes, but the atmosphere stayed electric. When the legendary Tom the Turkey float made its debut, children erupted with, “Turkey, over here! Come on, over here!” as confetti cannons roared to life.
Among the crowd was young Laura Condi, a second‑grader who had arrived with her mother at six in the morning to secure a spot anywhere along the route. “I help mommy make the hot chocolate—lots of jugs of water and hot chocolate pockets,” she told The Post. The 7‑year‑old admitted she’d had trouble sleeping the night before due to her excitement, even though she’s been watching the parade every year since age three.
A man named Eric had carved out a place for his family at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, arriving early with a stack of playing cards, tablets, and plenty of hot drinks to keep the kids occupied. “All the dads arrived first for the front row, then the moms and children,” he explained. “It’s been our tradition for the last five years.”
Little Clara Scott was the star of the parade’s first days, donning a birthday crown and a “Happy Birthday” sign strung over NYPD barriers. As the marchers passed, they tossed confetti and waved high‑fives at her; she grinned and shouted, “I’m feeling good, I’m having a good time. I’m excited.” She shared her excitement about ‘Derby the Tiger’ and her love for the marching bands, saxophones, and all the balloons.
The city’s Emergency Management Department had issued a weather alert ahead of the event, warning of wind speeds up to 30 mph in the afternoon and 40 mph in the evening, and even the possibility of rain. Thankfully, only blue skies danced over the river that afternoon, keeping the parade on schedule.
A couple, Allyson Merrigan and her husband—both newlyweds—viewed the parade as a bucket‑list moment. “I’ve watched it on TV for thirty years, and it’s the best dream come true in person,” (the cameraman noted) said Merrigan, her love for characters like Snoopy making the day even sweeter. They and twelve other family members, including a 2‑month‑old, had woken at four a.m. to claim a prime spot and then planned to dine at the Central Park boathouse afterward.
Finally, Kathy Miller, a 76‑year‑old from St. Petersburg, Florida, made her first trip to witness the parade. “I’ve always wanted to come,” she exclaimed, waving, laughing, and shouting “Happy Thanksgiving!” she added. “Watching it on TV is great, but seeing it live feels just… out of this world.”
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