The old normal! Macy’s NYC’s Thanksgiving Day parade kicks off with NO COVID rules: 6,500 performers and inflatables are watched by spectators who DON'T have to show proof of vaccination, wear masks or socially distance New York City's Thanksgiving Day parade returned with a bang this year after COVID scaled it back last year This year's 95th annual parade features 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 36 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 800 clowns, Ten marching bands and nine performance groups will grace the streets and the ever-popular Santa Claus will make his yearly appearance in NYC By Ronny Reyes For Dailymail.Com Published: 15:26 GMT, 25 November 2021 | Updated: 15:50 GMT, 25 November 2021 Viewcomments Advertisement The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade returned to its pre-pandemic glory on Thursday morning with a full parade filled with spectators on the streets. This year's 95th annual parade features 15 giant character balloons, 28 floats, 36 novelty and heritage inflatables, more than 800 clowns, 10 marching bands and nine performance groups and the ever-popular Santa Claus. Overall, about 6,500 performers are featured in this year's celebration. 'For our 95th celebration, Macy’s has created a spectacle to remember featuring a dazzling array of high-flying balloons, animated floats and incredible performers,' Will Coss, the executive producer of the parade, said in a statement.' This year's upcoming parade comes after the downsizing of last year's which had cut thousands of participants, limited the route to one block, and of course requested spectators to watch the anticipated holiday tradition solely on their television screens. The 95th annual Macy's Thanksgiving parade kicked off on Thursday morning Snoopy, in his Nasa attire, was among the first of 15 giant character balloons to make their way through the Big Apple The parade was open to all spectators after a scaled back version last year due to the pandemic Some came fully dressed a turkey's to celebrate the parades triumphant return to form The parade kicked off at 9 a.m. and goes on until 12 p.m. The parade features 10 marching bands among its many acts of the day The parade also features 28 floats. The Jolly Green Giant float was among the first to hit the streets New balloon giants joining the line-up include Ada Twist, Scientist; the pint-sized hero from 'The Mandalorian' and the Pokémon characters Pikachu and Eevee on a sled. There will also be new floats led by the cast of 'Girls5eva' - Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps - Nelly and Jordan Fisher, while Jon Batiste will be on an alligator-themed float celebrating Louisiana's music, food and culture. Other celebrities on hand will include Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, Kelly Rowland, Rob Thomas, Kristin Chenoweth, Darren Criss, Foreigner, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Chris Lane, Miss America Camille Schrier, Muppets from 'Sesame Street' and the three past and current hosts of 'Blue's Clues' - Steve Burns, Donovan Patton and Josh De la Cruz. The Tom Turkey float kicked off the Big Apple's celebration on Thursday morning, with 27 floats set to follow Red Titan, from Ryan's World, soars over New York City with an entourage of superheroes guiding his path Ada Twist, the pint-sized scientist, was among one of the newest characters to fly at the parade New York City's outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio appeared at the beginning of the parade in front of a holiday Pikachu balloon Children watched the parade from nearby buildings and stared at the giant balloons passing by Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility