Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on, despite a steady downpour

A nearly century-old tradition marched through Manhattan Thursday, despite a steady downpour that thinned the Thanksgiving ranks somewhat this year.

Attendees of the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade were treated to easy front-row viewing to the thumping beat of 11 marching bands, 27 floats and 17 larger-than-life helium balloons each tugged by roughly 100 handlers in clear ponchos.

“Is anything more fun? Kung Fu Panda is coming down in the rain,” said Claire Gorayeb, an Upper West Side resident attending her 20th parade. “You get here when it starts and you’re three people away from the front. What’s not to like?”

There were many new additions to this year’s line-up, including a wildlife-themed float for the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary.

Snoopy and Smokey the Bear, turning 80 this year, reprised their roles and of course Santa anchored the parade on his sled.

Sanitation Department sweepers followed close behind to scrub their way to Herald Square and bag-up more than 20 tons of garbage over the 2.5-mile route, according to the department, which points out that the largest source of trash is not the 200 pounds of confetti but single-use cups.

The parade began around 8:30 a.m. at West 77th Street, winding south down Central Park West to Columbus Circle where the festivities turn on to Sixth Avenue and continue all the way to Herald Square, in front of Macy’s flagship store.

The Macy’s parade studio team worked more than 8,000 hours combined to put together the event, including craftsmen such as carpenters and sculptors using 2,000 gallons of paint and 300 pounds of glitter.

On average, more than 3.5 million people attend the parade with more than 50 million viewers at home.

“The rain only enhances it with nothing but joy, happiness and holiday cheer,” said Manhattan resident Tyler Shaw, a first timer at the parade. “Rain is the symbol for change and we’re changing into the holiday season.”