Cheeseasaurus, one of the large balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, is inflated and ready to go the night before the parade. A new tradition of viewing the balloons has been established in the city on the eve of the parade.

Part of the estimated 2.5 million people lining the streets along Broadway in New York City for the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

The first character balloon of the parade is the turkey, taken out of retirement from the 1950s.

Cheeseasaurus, flashing his disposable camera at the crowds below. The chanting of "Cheese, cheese, cheese!" welcomed him to Broadway.

Arthur, star of animated television programs, wafts through the streets of Broadway.

A character from the board game, Monopoly, heads down Broadway.

This photo eventually was used as the jacket cover for a book by Robin Blackburn to be released in the fall of 2006.

The blockhead above Broadway during the Macy's Day Parade in November, 2003.

Mya at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Actress Hillary Duff on a float at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Kermit the Frog floating above Broadway at the corner of East 41st in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Nov. 27, 2003.

Clay Aiken, American Idol runner-up and current teen and singing sensation, riding atop float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Clay acknowledging the screams of the teenage girls.

Garfield the Cat makes his first visit to a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. He is also the theme for the Macy's store this Christmas season.

The official end of the parade is always marked by the appearance of Santa Claus. Never one to disappoint.