Last Wednesday evening, the night before the American Thanksgiving holiday, I went with Neil up to see the blowing up of the balloons for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. It's been an annual tradition since 1924, and it's MY annual tradition to see them blow up the giant balloons that float down Broadway (6th Ave., this year) during the parade.
It's so surreal to see giant cartoon characters like Sponge Bob and Shrek tied down like Gulliver, while we Lilliputian New Yorkers stroll down the street enjoying the spectacle. The children LOVE it, and holler out the names of their favorite characters with great excitement when they see them. I didn't recognize a lot of the characters, but some of them have been in the parade for years. I remember as a child watching the parade every year on television; one year our family went down to Broadway to see it. I remember standing on a mailbox to get a better look at the Bullwinkle balloon - my mother's favorite and so, ours too!
It was rainy and misty this year, which added to the magic - thanks to Neil for holding the umbrella over me so I could draw. What a wonderful start to the holiday season!
(Sorry for the excessive linking - thought to help identify some of the cartoon characters for those who need the info!)
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7 comments:
very surreal
thanks for the memories. I love the Macy's thanksgiving parade when I was in NYC in 2001 to 2003.
Ron, these are awesome-
They look just like it feels there- the crowds, the scale-Love them!
This Thanksgiving Parade is something unknown in Europe.
I would love to see the animation that I can guess by your wonderful drawings.
I enjoyed the scenes as if I were there by your interesting memories and drawings. I thank for Neil too!
I can feel the surreal excitement!
Thanks for your comments. Yes, it was nice of Neil to stand and hold the umbrella...
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