Inflating the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons on the streets surrounding the American Museum of Natural History is a daylong event that delights both children and adults. Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year it was open to the public again and brought a sense of fun and celebration to a weary city. Proof of vaccination against Covid was required for entry, mask wearing was encouraged, and security was tight.
Once fully inflated, the balloons are held down with nets and sandbags.The quintessential turkey awaits the start of the paradeThe Jolly Green GiantThere’s a Tyrannosaurus rex inside the American Museum of Natural History just inside that door.Baby Yoda on West 81st StreetInflating a balloon with helium. A large crew works all day to prepare and secure the balloons.TeamworkSonic the Hedgehog inflated and ready to goGary, the snail from SpongeBob SquarePants, and a Macy’s crew member showing the scale. The man is well over 6 feet tall.
DeborahShapiroPhotos 