Macy's tests new character balloons for 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade

New character balloons intended for the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were tested during a flight run at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday. The New York Post reported that the inflatables were flown at the Balloonfest event to prepare for the milestone centennial parade. [1]

The New York Post stated in its initial summary that five new character balloons took flight, while later in the same article it reported that seven new character balloons debuted at the test run. Among the new additions is Snoopy's alter ego Joe Cool, accompanied by Woodstock. [1]

The new character inflatables are set to join more than 100 inflatables in the annual Thanksgiving morning event, the New York Post reported. Joe Cool is a persona of Snoopy in the Peanuts universe, known for wearing sunglasses and portraying youthful nonchalance on campus. [1][3]

According to Condé Nast Traveler, last year's procession through Midtown Manhattan attracted 3.5 million live spectators along the streets of New York City. The outlet also reported that a record-setting 34.3 million viewers watched the parade broadcast on NBC and Peacock. [2]