Thanksgiving Parade - Balloon Inflation
 

Can anyone offer advice in going into NYC to see the Macy's Parade balloons get inflated? I have heard for years that this is a lot of fun, but I've never gotten to do it.

I'd be looking for help on things like where to park, best time to get there, etc... Whatever might make the night more fun for my family (wife and two kids, ages 13 and 15)...

Thanks in advance for any info you can share....

This information from

http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_balnite_attend.htm


On Wednesday afternoon, November 26th, the annual blossoming of the giant helium balloons of the world�s most famous Parade begins. Taking place on West 77th and 81st Streets between Columbus and Central Park West, the annual inflation is a rite of passage for many. Ever since 1927, when giant balloons were first introduced into MacyHs Parade, New Yorkers and visitors alike have started their Thanksgiving holiday celebration by gathering to watch the inflation of the giant size character balloons. This year, viewers will be thrilled to see 32 Balloons grow to a size larger-than-life and prepped for their flight down Broadway on Thanksgiving morning. Public viewing hours will be from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM.

At 3:00 PM, spectators will enter at the northeast corner of 77th St. and Columbus Avenue and exit at the southeast corner of 81st Street. There will be no other points of entry. Entry will close to the public at 10:00 PM.

I had also posted this link on another thread and then noticed that the date on the info was 2003!

The times and places maybe the same, but I would double check for sure!

Debi

It is a lot of fun and the info above is great. The ballons are actually laid out on the street around the Museum of Natural History and the adjacent park. You could go to the museum which the kids might like.

Also, walk down Columbus Ave. Great shops and restaurants. Further west you'll find Amsterdam Ave. with more good restaurants and then Broadway. I would eat on Broadway as it might be less crowded. You can also stock up on bagels at H&H (80th and Broadway) and holiday goodies at Zabar's (81st and Broadway). Both awesome and totally New York!

Keep an eye out for celebs. I saw a lot!

The place and approximate time are the same every year. I'm not sure if the control of entry/exit is the same. But once you're there you can;t miss it.

For parking look at iconparking.com to find a nearby garage and make a reservation. (Streets here are parked full constantly at night since therre are many more cars than there are street spots and garage
spaces.)

My sister is a balloon handler for the parade. She and her husband went through a one day training session at Giants stadium this past summer. She is expected to show up at the parade start by 9:00am at the latest. Her balloon is a pink hippo scheduled to be behind Gloria Estefan. At the end of the parade, part of her job is to deflate and roll up the balloon. I just spoke with her and the latest weather forecast is breezy with possible showers. The balloons won't go off if it is too windy, but apparently that decision is made at the very last moment.

Just a FYI.

Thanks for the suggestions... I believe the weather on Wednesday night will be ok... Won't get there much before 8PM but should be fine...

Parking will be VERY TOUGH.
I once made the mistake of driving by with some out of town friends, and we just ended up stuck in traffic and never parked. Garages in the area actually charge their highest prices of the year that evening (yes--I've seen garage signs that list regular prices, and then "evening before thanksgiving" prices)
Maybe try parking farther west (near West End Avenue) and walk ?