Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Elf on a Shelf balloon moves down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Turkey float and Charlie Brown balloon move across Central Park South during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Joseph Kaczmarek, AP PhotoHandlers walk the Tweety Bird balloon down J.F.K. Boulevard, in Philadelphia, during the 97th annual Thanksgiving day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Julie Jacobson, AP PhotoSpectators watch from balconies along Central Park South as the Pillsbury Doughboy balloon passes during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Kena Betancur, AFP/Getty ImagesIce Age's Scrat balloon floats over Sixth avenue during the 90th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2016 in New York.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoAngry Birds' Red floats above Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Andres Kudacki, AP PhotoRonald McDonald and a Ronald McDonald balloon make their way across Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Dino balloon moves down Sixth Avenue in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Might Morphine Power Ranger balloon turns onto Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Andres Kudacki, AP PhotoCheerleaders make their way across Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoMembers of the Hendrickson High School band from Pflugerville, Texas, march on Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Joseph Kaczmarek, AP PhotoMembers of the North Wood High School Red Regiment make their way down J.F.K. Boulevard, in Philadelphia, during the 97th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoSanta Claus waves to spectators along Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Julie Jacobson, AP PhotoA balloon operator waves to spectators while guiding the Red Ranger balloon along West Central Park during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoThe Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade moves along Central Park West in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe SpongeBob Square Pants balloon moves down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Felix the Cat balloon moves down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Joseph Kaczmarek, AP PhotoHandlers walk the Tazmanian Devil balloon down J.F.K. Boulevard, in Philadelphia, during the 97th annual Thanksgiving day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Michael Loccisano, Getty ImagesThe Red Bird of the Angry Birds floats through the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2016 in New York City.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoThe Charlie Brown balloon floats over Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoThe Paddington Bear balloon is moved across Central Park South during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoParticipants stand tall above spectators along Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Craig Ruttle, AP PhotoSpectators line Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Julie Jacobson, AP PhotoA clown blows confetti toward spectators during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoA character with balloons marches in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Kena Betancur, AFP/Getty ImagesPerformers take part during the 90th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2016 in New York.
Joseph Kaczmarek, AP PhotoChildren wave to Santa Clause during the 97th annual Thanksgiving Day parade, in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016.
Julie Jacobson, AP PhotoSinger Tony Bennett waves from a float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP PhotoParticipants march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
Bryan R. Smith, AP Photo
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The Elf on a Shelf balloon moves down Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in New York.
ExpandBy The Associated Press | The Associated Press
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The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, led by a giant inflatable Charlie Brown balloon, stepped off Thursday amid heavy crowds and a strong police presence. Costumed characters mingled with revelers and crowds cheered as clowns on bicycles rode by carrying bundles of balloons. Security measures this year included sanitation trucks filled with sand placed at intersections, bomb-sniffing dogs and portable radiation detectors. And the crowd seemed grateful for the extra security. Spectators yelled, “Thank you!” to passing police officers, including the New York Police Department marching band.