There was no raining on this parade.
Crowds braved heavy rain and chilly temps to watch the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City Thursday.
Scores of revelers refused to let the wet weather dampen their spirits, lining Manhattan streets to catch the procession, with ponchos and umbrellas adding extra color to giant balloons, floats and star-studded performances.
Crowds lined the streets of NYC for the parade. Matthew McDermott“Once you’re wet, what can you do?” said Cathy Bucks, refusing to let the rain ruin an event on her “bucket list.”
Bucks was excited to finally make it from Richmond, Virginia, having previously faced disappointment when her 2022 plan was canceled due to COVID-19.
Many traveled even further, including Mark Vielledent, 42, an active duty US Military member who came from Tampa, Florida, with his wife Becky, 42, and their three kids, Vivienne, 3, Bella, 14 and Robert, 13 — snagging a prime parade spot by getting there at 1 a.m.
Parade-goers wear ponchos as they brave the rain and chilly temps. Stephen Yang“In spite of the rain, the spirit is still there. We would regret not coming,” Becky said.
“Once you are here, you gotta do it. You gotta do it,” Mark added. “The excitement is still there!”
Some even trekked from overseas, like Consuelo Bocci, 50, who flew in from Tuscany, Italy just to see the parade for the first time.
“This is something we don’t have in Italy and it fits the spirit of Christmas — it’s amazing,” she said. “I’m shocked. It gives you a feeling of positivity and energy. We become children again enjoying the floats, the balloons. The balloons are just out of this world. The floats are just awesome. I tell you, I’m without words.”
Parade participants were all smiles despite the weather. James KeivomEven though the rain kept Bocci from taking photos and videos, it didn’t ruin the experience.
“I want to come back for sure,” she said.
Manhattan locals like Jessica Greenwood, who had her 2-year-old daughter Sophie on her shoulders, came out with her entire family to take in the spectacle.
“The kids are willing to be patient because it’s not too cold,” Greenwood said. “It’s my 6-year-old son’s birthday today so we say the balloons are for him too.”
The birthday boy, Elliot, said that “Spiderman and Bluey are my favorites.”
Heavy rain and chilly conditions are expected to persist Thursday throughout Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. REUTERS“I’m having fun. The rain doesn’t bother me as long as I get to see the balloons,” the 6-year-old said.
New Yorkers Molly Pickett, 9, and her dad Michael Pickett, 44, say the downpour only adds to the experience.
“The balloons are really cool. I really like Stewart, the minion — he was eating a banana. I also like Bluey. It’s super cool,” Molly said. “I’m soaked right now but I would not have it any other way.”
Her dad said: “This is our ninth year in a row and this is the wildest weather yet. I love it. It’s really adding to the adventure of the Thanksgiving madness and everyone is nice to each other. That kind feeling towards each other is capturing the holiday spirit.”
Michael added: “We are New Yorkers. This doesn’t stop us. You can’t beat this city down with a little rain.”
While organizers weren’t immediately able to provide an estimated headcount for Thursday’s parade, a rep said the yearly event typically brings out about 3.5 million live spectators.
“Public viewing areas along our 2.5-mile-long route were full with excited fans this morning,” the spokesperson added.
The Dora the Explorer balloon seen on 77th street under sandbagged netting. Syndi Pilar/SOPA Images/ShutterstockPerformers, floats and new balloons — including new ones for Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse — started weaving 2.5 miles downtown to Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street from 8:30 a.m.
The parade featured 17 giant helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns and performances by award-winning entertainers.
New floats this year included a knight and dragon in battle made from actual pasta elements, courtesy of the Rao’s food brand, as well as a float celebrating the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary.
Consistent rain and dark clouds and chilly, cold rain persisted into the late morning, but had eased by the time the parade wrapped at around noon.
Rain is expected to drench New York City through the afternoon. FOX Weather
Winds were not expected to exceed 23mph as of Thursday morning. FOX WeatherSnoopy, Pikachu and Bluey may have gotten drenched, but the iconic balloon characters did not float away, as winds remained calm.
While the parade goes on each year rain or shine, Macy’s beloved oversized balloons cannot fly in sustained winds over 23 mph.
Clearer conditions are expected on Friday.
While the rain is expected to stop, Black Friday shoppers should still bundle up, as temperatures will likely dip into the low 30s overnight.
— Additional reporting by Katherine Donlevy
