New York City

New Balloons Get Test Run Ahead of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 93rd annual parade kicks off on Nov. 28

What to Know

  • Giant balloons took flight for a test run ahead of their debut in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • The 93rd annual parade, a staple event of New York's holiday season, takes off on Nov. 28
  • Balloons added to this year's parade roster of fan-favorites includes Astronaut Snoopy

Giant balloons took flight for a test run Saturday ahead of their debut in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

The 93rd annual parade, a staple event of New York's holiday season, kicks off on Nov. 28. 

The parade's flight management team tested the newest recruits at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

"We've done all of our calculations, we've done all of the planning and we're 95% there. But the last 5% is to actually get the balloon out, raise it in the air and see how it performs," said John Piper, head of production at Macy's Parade Studio. 

Balloons added to this year's parade roster of fan-favorites include Astronaut Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary, and one for the Netflix adaptation of "Green Eggs and Ham." 

The special will air at 9 a.m. EST on NBC's "Today" show.

[NATL] 2018 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Photos

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