The 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was attended by more than 3 million people and watched by 50 million on TV, including such giant balloons as Elf on a Shelf and Papa Smurf, a new version of Hello Kitty, Buzz Lightyear, Sailor Mickey Mouse and the Pillsbury Doughboy.
Real-life stars included singer Carly Rae Jepsen and Rachel Crow of "The X Factor."
Thursday's parade kicked off at 9 a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan and this year, the parade route traveled down 6th Avenue and ended at 34th Street/ Macy's Herald Square
8,000 marchers including those holding down massive, inflated balloons took part in the festivities.
Victims of Superstorm Sandy in New York and elsewhere in the Northeast were comforted by kinder weather, free holiday meals and — for some — front row seats to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Some parade-goers had camped out to get a good spot, staying snug in sleeping bags and the weather cooperated for the big day with sunny skies and a high in the low 50s.
The young, and the young at heart, were delighted by the sight and sound of marching bands, performers and, of course, the giant balloons.
Getting to the parade was a challenge, but traffic expert Gridlock Sam Schwartz said this year might not be as bad.
"With the parade going down 6th Ave. this year, it will be easier for people on Madison Ave. I don't think you'll get the same kind of crowds as Times Square. Bryant Park is a great place to watch the parade," Schwartz told Good Day NY.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:10:08 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:37 GMT
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:07 GMT
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around.
It's a sight that can trigger dread. The low-battery message appears on your cell phone when there's no charger around. Now New York City has teamed up with AT&T to install 25 solar powered charging stations over the summer.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:55:38 GMT
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village pleaded not guilty.
A man accused of fatally shooting a gay man walking with a companion in New York City's Greenwich Village afterward claimed that he opened fire because the victim "thought he was tough in front of his bitch," prosecutors said in court papers Tuesday.
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