NEW YORK — Val Bonner planned for a decade to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on her 50th birthday, and this year she got her wish Thursday, joining throngs of holiday revelers in Manhattan cheering the giant balloons and thousands of marchers.
“It’s just fabulous — I cried when I saw it,” said Bonner, of Steilacoom. “This is my gift to myself. I’ve been saving for years for it. It’s a dream come true.”
Bonner, her husband Frank, and son Jack stood with shrieking, delighted children throwing confetti as the 82nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade wound its way through Manhattan streets under sunny skies.
Quincy Kersbergen of Wyckoff, N.J., found a prime viewing spot — perched on a police barricade near the beginning of the parade — and proclaimed herself a big fan of a giant dog balloon.
“This is just fantastic!” the 11-year-old Kersbergen said. “So amazing to be here in person! I’m just so excited about today!”
New to the revelry this year were Buzz Lightyear, the square-jawed, action-figure astronaut from the 1995 film “Toy Story;” Horton, the compassionate elephant of Dr. Seuss books; and a five-story Smurf, a blue, gnome-like creature popularized by a TV show that began in 1981.
Organizers said more than a million spectators saw the parade in person, and another 50 million watched on TV.
The atmosphere along the route was jovial despite the nation’s economic downturn. “It’s something you can do with your kids for free,” said Martha Muccio of Manalapan, N.J. “And it makes them happy, takes our minds off everything.”
In Detroit, thousands braved near-freezing temperatures to stake prime spots to view the city’s parade, which has been held for more than 80 years.
Harry Vanuden, 45, a Chrysler worker, said he was grateful to still have his job this Thanksgiving. He’s among 200 remaining employees at Chrysler’s Mack engine plant in Detroit. Two years ago, Vanuden said, they numbered 1,500.
“I’ve been a toolmaker for 26 years,” said Vanuden. “You hope for the best. I’m just thankful I’m still there.”
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