The 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Every year growing up I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on T.V. from my home in Texas with stars in my eyes dreaming of what it would be like to see it live.  This year was the very first year that I was in NYC for the Thanksgiving holiday and I knew what I had to do!  I woke up early and took myself and my inner child to see this magical parade happen right before my eyes on Central Park West!!

I met a few of my friends who were also first time parade goers and we headed on down to claim our spot.  We found a great viewing area on Central Park West and 62nd Street where we were met with hundreds of eager parade watchers.  Across the street from us was an apartment building where some super lucky people had huge windows and could see the parade via their living rooms.  That was great for them but when they started waving from said window everyone in the crowd outside started hating in true human nature form but I was thankful that I was there!

Above: The building where people were all "Ooo look at me I have warm coffee and I am in my PJ's!"  I mean... good for them! HAHA!

As the parade began the first band went by and I knew things were getting serious.  The first major float that passed was the Sesame Street float and I got ridiculously excited to see Big Bird chilling with all of his Sesame Street pals at a replica of Mr. Hooper's store.  It was pure magic!  My inner child got so excited that I almost teared up.  You know I love celebrities and well, let's be honest, the Sesame Street gang were totally celebrities to me when I was a child.   Seeing them made my Thanksgiving!

Above: Big Bird and the gang from Sesame Street just making my dreams come true.  I flipped when I saw the Count and Oscar the Grouch in the back of Mr. Hooper's Store in a huge trash 
can.

After that came the first big balloon which was Sonic the Hedgehog.  It was so cool to see these iconic balloons in person and be a part of the tradition!

 

Above: My first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon sighting Sonic the Hedgehog. We go way back!

As the parade continued we had the chance to see more and more of the balloons and floats that make this parade such a spectacular one.  It was something that I had wanted to do for years and I was finally doing it!  We also had the chance to see celebs like Mary J. Blige and Neil Diamond. Mary J. Blige looked stunning standing and waving to the crowd on her big apple float but the coolest moment of the parade had to have been when we got to party with Neil Diamond.  

Being the old school super star that he is, Neil was jamming out to his music the entire time standing in front of a replica of Mount Rushmore.  I shouted out the classic line from the movie Saving Silverman, "I just wanna party with you Neil," as he sang 'Sweet Caroline' and we joined him with the traditional "Bomp bomp bomp" and "So good! So good!"  It was a really fun moment! 

Above: Mary J. Blige giving us some classic Mary J. beauty as she waves to her cheering fans.  Below: Neil Diamond rocking out with all of us to his hit 'Sweet Caroline' and making our dreams of just wanting to party with him come true! Photos of Mary J. Blige and Neil Diamond courtesy of Amy Davis, AmyDavisPhotography.com

I had a blast experiencing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I am glad that I could be a part of the crowd for the 85th anniversary!  It was cool to see how people cheer on the balloons like the mega stars that they are and to see so many people happy at the same place and time. I would highly recommend that everyone go at least once in their lives if you are able to.  The memories and smiles are worth the crowds and the waking up early (trust me I am not a morning person)!

Check out more photos from the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade below!