What an exciting adventure! I absolutely LOVE NYC, especially around Thanksgiving! And a Thanksgiving with 60 degree weather…that’s even better! Thursday morning, we woke up in New Jersey at 4:15AM packing up snacks and games and dressing in layers before heading into the city for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We even had an assembly line going for bagels with cream cheese and peanut butter sandwiches for the whole gang which included my parents, cousins, and their kids.
As you just might know, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade holds a special place in my heart. My parent’s met when they were both buyers for Macy’s in NYC. My mom was in the parade for many years as a clown AND a clown captain. My freshman year of high school, she wrote Macy’s a letter asking if she could be in the parade again, so we got to go to New York and dress up as clowns in the parade. I haven’t seen the parade live since then and was super excited to be back this year. We made it into the city quickly and I was amazed with how many people were there before our 6AM arrival.
We were lucky enough to find a close spot near some friendly people. We set up blankets and chairs and huddled together to stay warm.
My mom and I headed over to Starbucks for some warm drinks (I heart black tea lattes with SF vanilla on cold dark mornings). I was a little turned off by the line and even more surprised to find out it was actually the bathroom line.
An hour later (yes we waited in the bathroom line and it was totally worth it), we exited Starbucks and the sun was rising. We had another 2 hours before the parade started so we snuggled in, chatted, ate some snacks (PB, neutella, and banana sandwich for me), and watched the crowd fill in behind us.
Just before the start, a few clowns came by for some pre-parade entertainment.
By the time the parade started, the city was alive and packed with people. We had fantastic seats right along the street and the thoughtful people in front of us, let the kids grab the ‘best seat in the house’.
Finally, the fun began…
As always, I took TONS of pictures. For those of you who have never seen the parade up close and personal, I put them in an album for you. Enjoy!
I was amazed at how quickly the crowd cleared out after the parade. I think everyone was hungry and ready to use the bathroom. My family headed north to Washington Heights for our delicious Thanksgiving meal!
Luv What You Do 
Excellent coverage Jen. And I ought to know, as a former clown under your mom’s tutelage way back in 1975! Thanks!
LOL!
That is a big compliment coming from a former clown and New Yorker! Be careful…I could see her trying to organize a clown reunion some time soon : )
just a perfect combination of weather, family, and a parade! I had forgotten how impressive the balloons are, especially when you are so close to them!
great photography… !
That is so amazingly incredible. I love the Macy’s Day Parade and I have always dreamed of going. Mostly I dream of staying in a hotel room and watching the parade pass in front of my window! LOL
The entire experience begins on the street. It’s where you meet all of the people and battle for real estate. If you ever get the chance to spend Thanksgiving in NY, I highly recommend it. I am sad that we aren’t going this year, but the fam is already planning on spending Thanksgiving 2013 in NYC so I am psyched. Thanks for the comment!
[…] Two years ago when we went to the parade, I took tons of pictures, so I tried to get some different snap shots this year. There were some old favorites and a few new faces along the route, plus a local Chicago marching band. As you can see, despite the threat of heavy winds, it was a gorgeous day! […]