87th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The big balloons soared between Manhattan skyscrapers this morning for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There had been some concerns about whether the wind could keep the giant balloons grounded, but the cherished tradition prevailed, although the balloons were flown lower. These images were made at the winter village of Bryant Park with the skating rink in the foreground. Happy Thanksgiving!

Giant Balloons At The 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kung Fu Panda (Dreamworks Animation)

"Super Cute" Hello Kitty (Sanrio)

Takashi Murakami's "Kaikai" and "Kiki"

Takashi Murakami's "Kiki"

Ronald McDonald (McDonald's)

Sailor Mickey (Disney Cruise Line)

Kermit The Frog (Disney)

Shrek (Dreamworks Animation)

Spiderman (Marvel Entertainment)

Spongebob Squarepants (Nickelodeon)

Pikachu with Pokeball (The Pokemon Company International)

While much of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade's roster of giant balloons is dedicated to readily identifiable figures, the parade organizers try to make room for what they call "high art." This year's giant balloon lineup for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade included new characters like Kaikai and Kiki (Kaikaikiki Co. Ltd.). These characters were designed by Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami who in the global art scene is known for his inflatable sculptures of psychedelic anime-style cartoon characters as well as his Louis Vuitton handbag and Casio watch designs. The parade is a "snapshot of the American culture," according to the executive producer of the parade, Robin Hall. Aside from giant balloons, the parade featured marching bands, floats, cheering clowns and a host of celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Kanye West and Gladys Knight. The images of the balloons were made earlier this morning at the intersection of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue.