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The Macy’s Baloon Inflation
This was my first time attending the balloon inflation. I am ashamed to say I have lived in New York City for nine years and have never been!
It takes place near the American Museum of Natural History the afternoon and night before the parade. The balloons are lined up and inflated with helium during a highly coordinated effort involving hundreds of volunteers and balloon handlers who work together to ensure that each balloon is properly inflated and secured. This all takes place while crowds of spectators gather to watch the balloons come to life.
As each balloon is inflated, it takes on a larger-than-life presence, towering over the surrounding buildings. Many families and tourists attend the inflation in addition to the parade itself and the event is free and open to the public.
It’s also an important logistical event for the parade organizers, as it allows them to test the balloons and ensure that they are properly secured and ready for the parade.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The following day I attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade — a beloved annual tradition that has been entertaining millions of people for nearly a century.
This was my second year attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, so I had a clearer idea of where to situate myself to get the pictures I was aiming for. Now knowing that many view the event from Central Park, I began there, hoping to capture more of the crowd viewing the parade — rather than just the parade itself.
