NEW YORK – The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marked its second century with a vibrant show Thursday, overcoming each heavy rain and a quick protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
The police arrest the protesters
New York police stated they arrested dozens of individuals after protesters jumped barricades and sat on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a banner studying “Do not have fun genocide.”
RELATED: Dozens arrested in Midtown during Macy’s parade protests: police
According to the Associated Press, they chanted “Free Palestine, free!” as a large Ronald McDonald balloon got here crashing down on them on Manhattan’s Sixth Avenue. Similar protests disrupted the occasion final yr as properly.
Humid climate throughout the parade
The Thanksgiving Day storm introduced rain to your complete parade route with some pockets of heavy downpours.
Temperatures hovered round 50 levels F, with rain all morning and winds round 10 mph, properly throughout the acceptable vary for Snoopy, Bluey and their associates to fly.
Pikachu and Eevve balloon arrives on the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024 in New York City. (Credit: Manoli Figetakis/Getty Images)
The parade was canceled solely thrice, from 1942 to 1944 throughout World War II, however organizers monitored wind speeds throughout the festivities to make sure it was secure for the massive balloons to fly.
Thanks to the wet climate, ponchos and umbrellas had been a part of the festivities, together with the same old big balloons, floats and star-studded shows.
Big balloons, exhibits
Despite the downpour, the procession continued. New balloons featured Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse, and standout floats included a pasta-themed design and a celebration of the Bronx Zoo’s a hundred and twenty fifth anniversary.
This yr’s celebration showcased 17 big balloons, 22 floats, 11 marching bands and 700 clowns, with performances by Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel, Kylie Minogue and extra. It was a far cry from the parade’s humble beginnings in 1924, which featured fairytale-themed floats and marching bands. However, the essential parts of clowns, marching bands and Santa Claus have remained unchanged, holding the Christmas custom alive.
“The work we do, the chance to influence tens of millions of individuals and produce a bit of pleasure for a few hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us each day,” stated Will Coss, producer government of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade route stretched 2.5 miles from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s Herald Square flagship retailer on thirty fourth Street, which served because the backdrop for the present.
of NBC Al Roker walked a part of the way in which earlier than becoming a member of co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb outdoors the shop for the remainder of the stay tv protection. “Evil” film star Cynthia Erivo gave flowers to retired Kotb to commemorate what could also be her final broadcast parade.
