Photo: Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Final preparations are underway for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan. Today, over 30 balloons will be inflated outside the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. The public can view the inflation process from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with lines opening at noon. This event is free and does not require tickets.
According to West Side Rag, the inflation event is held on the streets from West 77th to 81st between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West. Attendees must enter through a secure checkpoint at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. The viewing route leads up Central Park West to West 77th Street, then along Columbus Avenue to West 81st Street. After viewing, guests exit at West 81st Street and Central Park West, continuing north to see the float assembly.
The event will feature crowd favorites like Snoopy, Smokey Bear, and Spider-Man, along with five new balloons and seven new floats. Patch reports that visitors should prepare for rain, as showers are expected. Prohibited items include umbrellas, backpacks, and large bags.
The parade will take place on Thursday, starting at 8:30 a.m., following a 2.5-mile route from the Upper West Side to Herald Square in Midtown. For more details, visit the Macy's Parade website.
Photo Credit: Getty Images