Vintage Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade photos

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26th November 1961: Costumed participants in a New York Thanksgiving Day Parade. Some are dressed as pigs others as harlequins. (Photo by William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images)

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is an annual tradition for many. As we celebrate the 91st edition of the event, swipe through the gallery for a look back at parades past.

THIS YEAR'S PARADE: 

This year's event will feature 26 floats and 17 balloons—four of which are new, like Olaf and Chase from Paw Patrol and a special homage to the iconic movie "A Miracle on 34th Street."

Susan Tercero with Macy's says 3.5 million people will line the parade route this year and an estimated 50 million will watch at home. It is a huge event that requires a lot of manpower. And that effort begins long before the balloons rise up in the morning sky.

Security is extra tight this year, with measures that resemble the Times Square ball drop. And yet that didn't deter some 200,000 people from braving the wind and cold Wednesday night to experience the magic that is Thanksgiving Eve in New York City.

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