Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Kimberlee Johnson
Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, there is a special event that takes place in the heart of New York City.
A lot of people gather to see something amazing in the sky. I remember the first time I saw it in person – the balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, they blow up these huge balloons that look like Thanksgiving characters. But where do they blow up Thanksgiving balloons?
With that, I’ll share where they blow up Thanksgiving balloons and explain the process of inflating them.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloons: Where Are They Inflated?
Before Thanksgiving, big balloons in fun shapes, like cartoon characters, get blown up with helium in the American Museum of Natural History.
Lots of people come to watch the balloons get bigger. It turns the area into a colorful, magical place.
“Compliments are the helium that fills everyone’s balloon; they elevate the person receiving them so he or she can fly over life’s troubles and land safely on the other side.”
– Bernie Siegel, American Writer
When the balloons go up in the sky with the city behind them, everyone is excited for Thanksgiving and the parade that lots of people love.
But where do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade for free?
What Time Do The Thanksgiving Balloons Get Inflated?
Last year, the giant balloon inflation for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade occurred from noon to 6 p.m.
People who wanted to see the balloons being blown up could join a line at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue in New York City.
It’s a thrilling experience for families and parade lovers as they can watch the massive balloons come to life, transforming the streets into a colorful and magical opening to the Thanksgiving celebration.
How Are The Balloons For The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Inflated?
Inflating the balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is meticulous. First, they spread the big balloons out on the ground.
Then, they use nets and heavy bags of sand to hold them down.
These nets are super important because they stop the balloons from floating away while they blow them up with helium.
“The streets may be ordinary, but when they inflate those Thanksgiving balloons, it becomes a canvas for extraordinary.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
This way, everything stays safe, and the balloons are ready to wow the crowd during the Thanksgiving parade. It’s a well-organized magic show.
How Long Will It Take To Fill A Thanksgiving Parade Balloon?
Filling up a big Thanksgiving parade balloon takes roughly 90 minutes. They use helium to make the balloon float high in the sky during the parade.
But when the parade ends, getting the air out is much faster. It only takes about 15 minutes. They have special vents and a trick where they lay on the balloon and roll to let the air out.
This quick deflation means they can pack the balloons away until the next parade without fuss.
How Much Does It Cost To Inflate A Balloon For The Thanksgiving Parade?
Blowing up those gigantic balloons for the Thanksgiving Parade is quite expensive. It costs a minimum of $510,000 to fill each one of these balloons with helium.
This money covers the helium, people, equipment, and safety measures needed to handle these super-sized balloons.
It might sound like a lot, but making the parade so amazing and fun for everyone to watch is worth it.
What Happens To The Balloons After Thanksgiving?
Once the Thanksgiving Parade is over, the big balloons don’t just disappear. They’re carefully let out of their air, packed into crates like giant deflated balls, and taken to New Jersey [1].
These balloons are kept safe and sound until they’re needed again for future parades or special events.
So, they’re not gone forever; they’re just waiting for their next big moment to shine and make people smile.
Do They Reuse The Balloons From The Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Yes, they do reuse the balloons from the Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the past, after the parade was over, they used to let the balloons float away, but that changed.
They decided it was better to keep and use them again. So, instead of being a one-time thing, these big, colorful balloons bring joy to people year after year.
It’s a smart way to make the most of these amazing creations and keep the tradition alive while being more environmentally friendly by not letting them float away.
Related Post: How Can You Blow Up A Mylar Balloon?
FAQs
What are the balloons at Macy’s filled with?
Initially, when the Macy’s Parade started, balloons were made by stitching rubber together and filled with regular air. But over time, they replaced it with helium [2].
What’s the biggest Thanksgiving Day balloon?
The largest Thanksgiving Day balloon is SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary. They weigh around 896 pounds, making them the heaviest balloons in Parade history.
What are the most popular Thanksgiving Day balloons?
Some popular Thanksgiving Day balloons include Snoopy, Ronald McDonald, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Harold the Fireman.
These iconic characters have become fan favorites, captivating spectators with their appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Find out which balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving parade has flown the most here.
In Summary
To sum it up, blowing up the big balloons for Thanksgiving is a special tradition. It occurred near the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
As someone who’s witnessed this event firsthand, I can attest to its awe-inspiring nature.
Plus, this happens from noon to 6 p.m. before Thanksgiving, and you can watch at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
So, it’s like a big party where they make giant balloons for the parade.
This sets the stage for the exciting Thanksgiving parade the next day, and it’s a must-see event for everyone who loves the holiday spirit.
References:
- https://www.timeout.com/new-jersey/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-new-jersey
- https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/helium/about-helium
- Where Do They Blow Up Thanksgiving Balloons? - April 25, 2024
- How Much Is Bob Evans Thanksgiving Dinner? An Overview - April 25, 2024
- What Do Native Americans Do on Thanksgiving? Answered - April 25, 2024