Clear weather attracts large crowds, amid tight security

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The 91st annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade wound its way through New York City to the store’s 34th Street location Thursday, November 23 morning.

Taking flight on Turkey Day were 17 giant character balloons including Olaf from “Frozen,” the Grinch, Charlie Brown and Scrat from the “Ice Age” movie series, along with 28 legacy balloons, 26 floats, 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers, 12 marching bands and six performance groups, Macy’s said in a news release.

“For more than 90 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has signaled the start of the holiday season for millions of families.” said Susan Tercero, group vice-president of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in a news release. “We are thrilled to once again come together as a nation to give this gift of joy and wonder to all.”

Featured stars included Harry Connick Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Harvey, Jane Krakowski, Gaten Matarazzo, Chrissy Metz, John O’Hurley, Martha Stewart and Thalia, along with performances by Gwen Stefani and the Radio City Rockettes.