EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Sky-high at MetLife Stadium on Saturday morning were some of the balloons that are going to be featured at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as volunteers and producers of the beloved event tested the newest additions.
Macy’s Branded Entertainment executive producer Will Coss told 1010 WINS that the intention of the annual Balloonfest is twofold.
“This is our opportunity to debut our brand new balloons, but it also serves as an opportunity for our team to test the balloons in real world conditions,” he said.
The practice run is conducted under the guidance of Macy’s flight management team, but hundreds of handlers are needed. Volunteers snaked through the stadium parking lot to the sound of whistles and holding onto ropes almost 100 feet long to make sure that come the 98th annual parade on Nov. 28, they will fly without a hitch.
Macy’s Studios welcomes new and beloved character balloons to the lineup each year, and for the 98th annual parade this year, there are six new additions.
“Minnie Mouse is the new girl on the block, for sure,” Coss said of the 60-foot long, 60-foot tall and 34-foot wide Walt Disney Company balloon. “We couldn’t be more excited.”
Other new additions include Extraordinary Noorah and Elf on the Shelf from the Lumistella Company; Gabby from Dreamworks Animation; Goku from Dragon Ball/Toei Animation; Marshall from Nickelodeon; and Spider-Man from Marvel.
“To be able to have a balloon in that parade, we’re part of Christmas!” co-Ceo of the Lumistella Company Christa Pitts told 1010 WINS.