Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started with pouring rain and frigid temperatures driving the crowd away.
A century after the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the annual holiday tradition kicked off again today in New York City with a star-studded lineup of performances from Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel, among others.
This year’s parade features 17 giant helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 new and historic inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, award-winning singers and actors, and the WNBA champion New York Liberty.
However, according to the National Weather Service, the annual holiday tradition began at 8:30 a.m. ET as a low-pressure system moved through the area, bringing wind, rain and plunging temperatures.
Fox again predicts up to an inch of rain with temperatures in the 40s and winds around 10 miles per hour.
The parade will air on NBC with hosts Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker and air on the network’s Peacock service.
Roker was seen interviewing miserable parade goers who sat in cold bleachers trying to stay dry.
Guthrie and Kotb proved they can laugh through the rain when the pair began the procedure while hiding under a tent.
As millions of Americans watched the parade from the warmth of their homes, they noted the lack of crowds and the somber performances.
The Tom Turkey float rides in the pouring rain during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started with pouring rain and frigid temperatures driving the crowd away
As millions of Americans watched the parade from the warmth of their homes, they noted the lack of crowds and the muted performances.
“I’m going to start cooking because the Macy’s Day parade is sad,” said someone on X.
“The phrase don’t rain on my parade was coined specifically for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade,” said another.
“What kind of mental illness do you have to be to stand in the rain all morning just watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” a third person said.
“Macy’s Day Parade is a totally gray, sad affair. Sound of silence, a parade,” said a fourth.
As dark threatening clouds loomed over the show, some suggested changing the entire production of the parade.
“The Thanksgiving Parade Must CHANGE! @Macys… put cameras on the balloons, reduce the number of Broadway shows – no one wants to see them, stop lip syncing, so many changes are needed,” one person said.
You can tell it hasn’t rained in a while during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as everyone, including the NBC anchors, tries to keep their smiles. A country singer wearing hot pants and a bustier seems very miserable,” said another.
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that NBC is in the process of renegotiating their broadcast rights to the parade, which could cost them as much as $60 million a year, three times the current price of $20 million.
This year’s parade features 17 giant helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns and 10 performance groups
The annual holiday tradition began at 8:30 a.m. ET as a low-pressure system moved through the area, bringing wind, rain and plunging temperatures
Protesters wearing rain ponchos and holding Palestinian flags tired to disrupt the parade
Anti-Israel protesters were arrested after they tried to disrupt the parade at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, reported The New York Post.
Protesters wearing rain ponchos and holding Palestinian flags called for an end to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Crowds chased the protesters as police quickly surrounded them and removed them from the route.