The balloons passed the test and are ready for the 96th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Macy's Balloonfest was held Saturday at MetLife Stadium, serving as the trial to test out the new balloons.

“Well, there is the magic in this parade. It’s the smiles on everyone’s face and the joy that it brings,” balloon handler Stephanie Senkevich said.

Senkevich has volunteered as a balloon handler for 12 years. She was part of the team of people testing them out Saturday.

Cones in a parking lot served as a map to make sure the balloons were lined up correctly when they were tested.

More than 5,000 volunteers signed up as balloon handlers.

“It’s an exciting day for us to see them in action and adjust them if we need them,” Macy's Branded Entertainment executive producer Will Coss said.

Since the parade is rain or shine, the balloons are designed to operate in a variety of different weather conditions.

“Winds are something we contend with. We do a lot of monitoring throughout the parade process. On the day of the parade, we’ll do the same,” Coss said.

This year’s parade will have 16 character balloons and 28 floats. Senkevich says it’s the energy of the parade the day of that brings her back year after year.

“It’s fantastic when you are going down the parade route and the kids are cheering on the balloons,” Senkevich said.

The planning for next year’s parade starts the day after Thanksgiving.