vip in the city

Thanksgiving Day Parade 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!

The windy downpour began early this morning, but the parade would go on — rain or shine. I made it to the end of my block amidst the torrents of water to take part in this year’s 80th annual festivites. My umbrella was rendered almost useless by the crowd; I finally gave up and sought partial refuge under a friendly bystander’s shelter.

This year’s theme was “Around the World in 80 Parades.” The inclement weather prompted city officials to order the balloons flown lower than usual this year, with none rising beyond 17 feet for safety. I could almost touch Scooby Doo as he went by. During last year’s event, two sisters were injured by debris when a giant M&Ms balloon crashed into a light pole. They attended this year’s parade as special guests of Macy’s… perhaps as thanks for not suing.

Some bits familiar from the night before:

SpongeBob SquarePants!

Look Ma, no strings! The giant pink Energizer Bunny, making its debut this year as a “balloonicle,” a type of balloon first introduced in 2004 that moves on its own, like a car. And yes, it keeps going — and going, and going — on batteries.

This year’s updated Pikachu balloon with flashing red cheeks. Nice ladder: somebody’s Dad came prepared!