h. nazan ışık —
23 November 2017—
I am sure, over the years most of us went to view the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and enjoyed the big balloons’ parade. Have you ever gone to see the preparation, watched balloons inflation, and observed how long it takes? I am talking about the Macy’s Parade balloon inflation, which takes place in the afternoon and evening before Thanksgiving Day on the Upper West Side.
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Workers are preparing “Red Ranger” balloon for the parade
I love to watch big balloons come to life. I can say that this part is my favorite part: The preparation!
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On Wednesday, the Mayor Bill de Blasio, Commissioner James O’Neill, and Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette delivered remarks at the Macy’s Parade balloon inflation.
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(From left to right) Commissioner James O’Neill, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette, in front of the Macy’s “Yellow Star’ balloon, delivering remarks at the 91st. Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation.
Mayor de Blasio : “We recognize this beautiful event, because we are safe. We are in a very challenging world and security is increased each year. Let me emphasize there is no specific threat against New York City, against the parade,” said.
“There will be 1000s of cops in uniform, K9s, (and more…)” said Commissioner James O’Neill.
Macy’s CEO Jeffrey Gennette said: “ This year we have 17 giant character balloons, 28 supporting balloons, 26 floats, 1100 cheer leadings, 1000 clowns, 12 marching bands.”
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Disney’s the Olaf balloon is being inflated for the parade
“How long does it take to inflate a balloon?” I asked one of the supervisors.
“Of course it depends on the size of the balloon, it usually takes one hour, one hour and a half, however, if it is a windy day it takes a little longer,” he answered.
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Aflac Duck (Aflac, 3rd version) is ready for the parade
This year the Macy’s Parade balloon inflation started at 10:00 and lasted until 20:00.
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Workers were tired, but satisfied, and happy.
It was a cold day. On each streets, where the balloons were inflamed, there was a hospitality station, which offered hot soup, chili, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit, sandwiches to warm workers, police officers, even press members up.
After all these long preparations –I am not even talking about long, planning, in the morning untied and lined up the balloons for the parade- the 91st Thanksgiving Day Parade started at 9:00, ended at noon. Spectators continued their day with whatever plans they had for the day.
On the other hand, workers continued working on, this time deflating, folding, and, I believe, storing the balloons…
Photos: © h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN/ All rights reserved. Her hakkı saklıdır.
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