New York City is getting ready to kick off 97th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.

Before the big day, gigantic balloons are inflated on the Upper West Side for hundreds to see.

What You Need To Know

  • According to Macy’s, the parade will be longer this year because of a larger production

  • There are a number of new balloons, such as Beagle Scout Snoopy and the Pillsbury Dough Boy

  • Cher is this year's big headliner

“I actually wonder if I can fit on one,” said Jade Somerfelt, an Upper East Side resident.

Lance Somerfelt, another Upper East Side resident, said the balloon inflation is an annual tradition for his family.  

“We’re usually never in New York City on the day of the Thanksgiving Day parade. So to be able to share in some of its magic with the kids and, like, gawk at some of these, like, just in enormous characters that we love,” he said.

According to Macy’s, the parade will be longer this year because of a larger production. 

Orlando Veras, a Macy’s representative, said in the hours leading up to the event, it becomes a 24/7 operation.

“There are about 8,000 volunteers and performers. We have 16 featured giant balloons. There are 32 novelty and heritage balloons, 26 floats, 800 clowns, 1,500 dancers, 1,500 cheerleaders and, of course, the one and only Santa Claus,” Veras said.

Old balloon favorites include Ronald McDonald and Pikachu. 

This year, there are a number of new balloons, such as Beagle Scout Snoopy and the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

The event is a first for Charles Deandrade and his 3-year-old daughter Charlize. 

“I’ve always heard about it and she’s our first child and never had a chance to come here before, so it’s been amazing, so it’s super nice to see the balloons and it adds a whole other level to it,” Deandrade said.

Both Somerfelt and Deandrade said watching the characters come to life is not just exciting for the kids, but for the adults as well. 

“Just to see Groku from Star Wars — that was really exciting,” Somerfelt said.

“The city transforms into the holiday. Everything you see in the movies,” Deandrade said. “It’s hard to explain if you’re not here to take it all in.”

The parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Thursday — a half an hour earlier than usual.

The big headliner this year, besides Santa Claus, is Cher.