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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 4:05 PM EDT2013-05-19 20:05:22 GMT
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
The federal judge presiding over civil rights challenges to the stop-and-frisk practices of the New York Police Department has no doubt where she stands with the government.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:21:42 GMT
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly.
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly. The artist, Arne Svenson, is reportedly taking the photos through their TriBeCa building windows. In some photos, the residents are bending over, sleeping and cleaning.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:36:00 GMT
A water taxi struck a dock at Pier A and Battery Park Place in Manhattan on Thursday, according to FDNY officials. Two people suffered minor injuries. They refused medical attention.
A water taxi struck a dock at Pier A and Battery Park Place in Manhattan on Thursday, according to FDNY officials. Two people suffered minor injuries. They refused medical attention.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:17:42 GMT
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City.
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City. In a report released Thursday, dozens of daycares cited by the Dept. of Health for serious and critical health code violations since 2010, have not fixed the problems and continue to operate without penalty.
