How exciting is that! Yes, I watch it every year. Sadly, now by myself but it brings back memories. My uncle took me to it once when I was a little kid. I remember being worried about those huge balloons if they ever let go of the strings they would crush me. Didn't stop to think that they would go up not down. It's difficult to get the perspective watching it on T.V. I always say there are three parades one should see in person. Macy's, the Mummer's on New Year's Day in Phillie and the Rose Bowl Parade. Haven't been to the Rose Bowl Parade yet. I guess I should put it on my bucket list.

Romantic New York!

My daughter and her husband and three kids (two teens and a 23-year-old) will be at the parade this year. They went last year too, spending three days and having a great time.

Here's a Macy's parade picture I took when I was 10 years old.

I used to live in NYC, and went many times, both as a child, with older siblings, and as an adult with my own kids. It's a treat to see in person. My daughter still remembers a clown approaching her and giving her a handful of candy. The dancers are wonderful. It's a miracle that they can keep warm as they are lightly dressed.

I used to live in NYC, and went many times, both as a child, with older siblings, and as an adult with my own kids. It's a treat to see in person. My daughter still remembers a clown approaching her and giving her a handful of candy. The dancers are wonderful. It's a miracle that they can keep warm as they are lightly dressed.

I've never been in NYC to see it but faithfully watch it on tv every year. Super excited this year as my grandson is marching in the 1st band that's in the parade. It's his NC College band and he'll be in the back row, playing cymbals! "HAPPY TURKEY EVERYONE"!

Being from Philly...we NEVER watched the Macy's Parade....we went to the Gimbel's department store parade on Philadelphia's Market St.

Well, Gimbel's went out of business...but the parade goes on...this will be the 95th Thanksgiving parade, now sponsored by the local ABC-Tv affiliate, and other business sponsors.

But, the big parade in Philadelphia is the Mummer's Parade on New Year's day.

The tradition of Philadelphia Mummery started in the late 17th century as a continuation of the Old World customs of ushering in the New Year. Mummery in America is as unique to Philadelphia as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans. For example, the Swedes were Philadelphia's first settlers. When they came to Tinicum, just outside of Philadelphia, they brought their custom of visiting friends on "Second Day Christmas", December 26. Later they extended their period of celebration to include New Year's Day, and welcomed the New Year with masquerades and parades of noisy revelers. Most people carried firearms for protection in those early days of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it did not take long before pistols and muskets joined with bells and noisemakers to create the sound of a New Year. Those who "shot in" the New Year became New Year's Shooters, and thus the name much later evolved to officially become the New Year's Shooters and Mummers Association. Groups would travel from house to house, sing songs, and perform dances -- all to be rewarded with food and drink.

By the 1870's, what had been an uncoordinated group of neighborhood celebrations turned into an area-wide parade with two main groups of participants: Fancy Dress and Comic clubs. The City of Philadelphia finally sponsored and organized the first official Mummers Parade on January 1, 1901.

georgysmom, according to my niece and people she has brought with her, it's hard work trying to hold and "control" the balloons -- even dangerous when it's windy.

alisande, what a great photo! and the Automat too!

Wow, I've only been to NYC *once* -- when I was 8 years old I went with my mom and we stayed with my aunt's mother. I loved the Museum of Natural History and Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes!!! wasn't crazy about the Automat. LOL!

Shelgal, being a local must make the parade a totally different experience, and I agree... how do they survive the cold in those scanty outfits?!

Sharon_Pa, how cool for your grandson! I hope you get to see him on TV. We've never seen my niece on TV in the parade yet... maybe this year. lol!

monica_pa, that's an interesting history lesson! Can't believe I've never heard of the Mummers Parade. :p

":monica_pa, that's an interesting history lesson! Can't believe I've never heard of the Mummers Parade. :p " Let alone a Gimbels parade? Many towns have a Thanksgiving parade--love the idea of waiting until then for Santa's big arrival..that is/was the purpose of Fargo ND's parade anyway--or maybe it was only our purpose when hauling car loads of kids to see it. For DH's family Macy's was a MUST--I remember being aware there was one--but never watched. I suppose we were at Mass. Now with cable we can do both as someone is replaying it all day!!!

Well, I spoke with my niece today and learned that you have to weigh at least 120 lbs to help man a balloon in the parade! :(