Winds up, balloons down, Philly celebrates with 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Thanksgiving Day Parade wound its way through Center City Philadelphia for the 100th year Thursday morning.
High winds meant the big balloons had to be kept out the sky, but at ground level there was plenty of action and energy.
Philadelphia police officers on their motorcycles kicked things off, followed by a vibrant display of smaller balloons signifying the centennial anniversary of the parade.
Samantha Rogers, who’s part of the Shrek balloon volunteer team said they got word pretty early.
"We got to the hotel around 4:30 and they made an announcement at, maybe 6 o’clock saying the winds were too high," she said.
People in the crowd said they wish they could have seen some of their favorites — Shrek, Big Bird and other characters — but with the winds howling, they understood.
"We knew from the weather forecast what to expect, but you know, it is what it is, I guess," said George from Delaware.
A disappointment for sure, but the handlers still marched where the balloons were supposed to be.
"It’s a little disappointing, but it's still fun. There are groups out here still having fun. They’re still spinning even though they’re not spinning a balloon," said Karen from Mullica Hill, N.J.
Most important, though, with marching bands from all over providing the soundtrack, and cameo appearances by athletes such as Eagles star Malcolm Jenkins and mascots such as the Phillie Phanatic and Gritty — dressed as a turkey — it was a day to continue family traditions.
"Forty-six years of this, and I only missed two," Karen said.
Many of those attending the parade got their places along the parade route early in the morning.
"We came in last night, we stayed at the hotel, and we're all bundled up with blankets and scarves and everything we can need," said Brian from Easton, who was with his two daughters. They had never been to the parade before and thought the 100th iteration would be a great one to go to.
"I've been coming since I've been a kid. Now I bring my daughters," said Glenda from West Philly.
The parade started at 8:15 a.m. at 20th and JFK, making a loop to 16th Street, and then proceeding up the Ben Franklin Parkway to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
