Macy's Parade Had Tightest-Ever Security

Giant balloons took to the clear, sunny sky over midtown Manhattan on Thursday for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with spectators lining up along the parade route and a heavy police presence keeping a watchful eye. The parade, in its 89th year, included marching bands and floats to go along with Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Paddington, and other giant balloons. City officials have said there are no known, credible threats against New York following the recent attacks in Paris, but Police Commissioner William Bratton said more than 2,500 officers would be stationed along the parade route for the Thanksgiving Day festivities—the largest number of officers the department has ever assigned to the event.

As the parade made its way through Manhattan, helicopters flew overhead and officers stood on top of mobile command center vans to watch the crowds. Police even stood on top of the marquee at Radio City Music Hall. Visitors said they noticed the heavy security. "It's a little scary but at least it's keeping us safe. We're having fun," said Kim Miller from Boston. Speaking at a news conference Wednesday night, Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "I think people are coming here from all over the city, all over the metropolitan region, all over the country to be a part of this parade." He added, "We cannot let the terrorists succeed at psychological warfare... They're doing what they do to try and create fear, to try and change us." (ISIS threatened New York City in a recent video.)