2000 Macy's Parade - Information

2000 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Information

It is the kickoff to the holiday season, the start of Thanksgiving Day, and the one parade that is watched in person or on television by millions across the United States. It's the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the most spectacular parades in the world.

Don't miss "Inflation Eve" on the Wednesday night before the parade. From 6 to 11 p.m., on 77th and 81st streets between Central Park West and Columbus, the giant balloons are stretched out on tarps laid on the streets, tethered down and inflated. Be sure to take the bus or subway--dozens of streets are closed between the park and Columbus Avenue and travel by car is virtually impossible.

The 74th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 23rd from the Museum of Natural History on Manhattan's Upper West Side. From there, the Parade proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, where it swings on to Broadway and travels down to Herald Square.

The best place to watch the Parade is up near the start, on Central Park West, but there is public viewing for nearly the entire length of the route.

The Parade is broadcast to an estimated 45 million viewers nationwide by NBC-TV. Once again, the dynamic trio of Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Al Roker, from NBC's "Today" show, will co-host the telecast.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a showcase of the world's finest marching bands, the most striking floats and--of course--the fantastical giant helium character balloons. This year promises to be no different, with 12 giant character balloons and 19 novelty balloons, 35 clown units, 26 floats and six toy floats, 12 marching bands, and six "falloons" (a float and a balloon combined into one spectacular mobile unit).

Hundreds of celebrities have joined the performers and personalities of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Last year we enjoyed appearances and performances by cast members and Muppets from "Sesame Street"; pop group Kool & The Gang; singing sensation Christina Aguilera; Animal Planet adventurist Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin; "Blue's Clues" star Steve Burns; swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; teen heartthrobs 98 Degrees; and pop vocalist Lou Bega.

One thing that never changes is the grand arrival of Santa Claus at the parade's finale. Santa arrives at Herald Square on his sleigh to the sound of cheers and applause, officially ushering in the Christmas holiday season.