For nearly 90 years, giant balloons have invaded the skies above New York City on Thanksgiving, and this year a Power Ranger and Doughboy join the fleet.
The 88th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts Thursday at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, and the company has added seven new balloons to the event.
Those who tune in for the parade will see classic balloons such as The Elf on the Shelf, Hello Kitty, Papa Smurf and Spider-Man. Also floating will be recent favorites Spongebob Squarepants, Toothless from “How to Train Your Dragon” and Finn and Jake from “Adventure Time.”
Here is a look at the seven new balloons added to this year’s parade:
Paddington
The beloved literary bear is making his debut at the parade in time for his movie “Paddington,” to be released in early 2015. According to Macy’s, the balloon’s suitcase is the size of a typical two-door garage.
Pikachu
Pikachu has been in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before, but 2014 will mark the debut of this new balloon. With the release of two new Pokemon video games this year, this 53-feet tall balloon is sure to excite kids everywhere.
Pillsbury Doughboy
This new Doughboy balloon is 54-feet long, meaning he would likely crush any dinner table he happened to appear on.
Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger
Kids of the ’90s, rejoice! The Red Power Ranger is finally making his Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut 21 years after the first episode of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” hit television screens. At 77 feet long, this is one of the parade’s biggest balloons.
“Skylanders” Eruptor
The “Skylanders” video game series has been around since 2011, but this fiery character makes his parade debut this year. Eruptor’s body was painted using more than 40 gallons of fluorescent paint and five barrels of glitter, according to Macy’s.
Thomas the Tank Engine
It’s hard to believe Thomas the Tank Engine has never had a balloon at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but he’s making his debut in a massive way. Macy’s said the balloon will be the largest in the parade by helium volume and also contains the most balloon fabric ever used to design one character.
The Aflac Duck
The web-footed insurance spokesman won’t technically appear as a giant balloon but rather a “balloonicle.” The Aflac Duck will debut in the parade alongside Kool-Aid Man and the cast of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Clint Davis is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
