Watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American television annual tradition that the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) has been showing since 1952. The parade is live on the NBC network every Thanksgiving morning and is held in New York City, primarily in Manhattan. The parade is a spectacle, with floats showcasing popular characters, balloons featuring famous cartoon characters, highly choreographed dance routines, and live music.

The 81st edition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place on November 22, 2007. The parade featured 27 floats, 10 marching bands, as well as celebrities and various performers. The show began at 9 am Eastern Standard Time and lasted for three hours until noon. The telecast was hosted by Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker, all regular Today show hosts on NBC.

The parade began at 77th Street and Central Park West and ended at Macy's flagship store on Herald Square covering a distance of 2.5 miles. The temperature was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was quite windy, which could affect the ballooning aspect of the parade. Nevertheless, the show proceeded as planned, and the wind only added to the excitement of the parade.

The parade began with cheerleaders from several schools who marched down Central Park West. Soon after, the Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall wowed the audience with their high kicking dance routine. They were followed by a float sponsored by Sesame Street that included the puppet characters Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, attracting cheers from the children in the audience.

A significant highlight of the parade is the appearance of popular giant balloons that feature famous animation characters. The 2007 parade featured eighteen character balloons, including fan-favorites like Pikachu, Scooby-Doo, and SpongeBob SquarePants. The balloons are inflated the night before, and the handling of these balloons require utmost care and attention due to their immense size. The nighttime inflation of the balloons takes place near the American Museum of Natural History, and the public is welcomed to watch.

The parade also featured marching bands from across the country, which brought a variety of music ranging from jazz to hip hop. Each band participated in the parade, showcasing their unique sound and dance routines. Some of the bands that participated in the 2007 parade included Ohio State, Miami University, Virginia Tech, and many more.

The floats in the parade were breathtaking with their intricate details and creative designs. The McDonald's float featured a massive balloon of Ronald McDonald while a float sponsored by Gibson guitars featured music performances by rock legend Tony Bennett. The United Nations float highlighted peace and diversity, while the Life Cereal float featured Olympic athletes who spoke about how Life Cereal helps them stay healthy.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade also features well-known celebrities who participate. The 2007 parade featured stars such as Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, and Dolly Parton. Cyrus performed her hit song "Start All Over," while Parton sang "Better Get to Livin'." Many other celebrities made their appearances, including Kristin Chenoweth, Hilary Duff, and James Taylor.

As a tribute to the American military, the parade also had a significant presence of American soldiers and veterans who marched down the parade route. The parade's final float was the traditional Santa Claus float, which is a symbol of the beginning of the Christmas season in America.

Overall, the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was an exciting and memorable event. With its outstanding floats, giant balloons, and high-energy performances, it was undoubtedly a spectacle that brought joy to all who watched. It maintained the spirit of the holiday season with its celebration of unity and diversity.