Every year on Thanksgiving Eve from 3 to 10 pm, thousands of New Yorkers and visitors converge on the Upper West Side's Central Park West to watch the giant balloons get their fill of helium.
The event grew out of a fascination with seeing how these magical creations come to life. Both children and adults crowded together on this cold November night to see their favorites.
For
some, this event is better than the parade itself!
There's a lot of work that goes into inflating these balloons: both professionals and Macy's employees join in containing these giants as they fill with the lighter than air gas.
We wouldn't want them to float away!
This year there are more balloons than ever! The 2 side streets between the Museum of Natural History, 77th and 81st become helium headquarters!
Let's
hear from a worker!
Who's that? It's Garfield the Cat looking like he definitely doesn't want to get up. The first step is to unfold the balloons, then they cover them with a net and hold it down with sandbags.
The attention seems to be focused on a certain balloon over there...
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