PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A century-old tradition continues in Philadelphia. The Thanksgiving Day parade returned after a year off because of the pandemic.
People were bundled up and lined up along both sides of JFK Boulevard. At the starting point at 20th Street, the marching bands, the big balloons and the floats got on their way.
"Love it. We’re here just about every year. Love that it’s back," said Ed Hahn of Phoenixville.
"Amazing. It’s nice, and it feels normal again," said Melissa from Philadelphia.
Joseph Turner from Reading says he grew up with the Thanksgiving Day parade, and his kids are experiencing it for the first time.
"Well, it’s nice to be able to carry on tradition. My dad would always take us — me, my brothers and sisters. So to be able to be with them and, like I said, carry on tradition, it’s a nice experience that will last a lifetime."
For those like Wandra, who was there for her 31st parade, there’s no better way to start the holiday.
"I feel good, because we missed it. We missed coming out here, so it feels good to be back."
And this year she’s with her grandkids, including 6-year-old Kitai who talked about his favorite part.
"The clowns."
One of the clowns Kitai was watching, wearing a colorful wig and outfit, was Melissa who was thrilled to be back.
"It’s great. It’s nice to see people, see the balloons, see the parade, just see smiles on kids’ faces."
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Another clown cherishing her experience this year was Bernyce, who had her colorful wig and outfit on. For the first time in her life, she’s not only at the parade, but she’s in it.
"So I told my grandchildren,I’m gonna be in the parade. So they said what are you gonna be? I said I’m gonna be a clown. They said grandma, are you kidding? You’re 73! I’m like, this is a part of the legacy!"