In Photos: Macy’s Balloonfest Tests New Giant Character Balloons Ahead Of Thanksgiving Parade
Macy’s Balloonfest in New Jersey showcased seven giant character balloons ahead of the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. New additions included Bluey, Joe Cool, Underdog and Hello Kitty Big Apple, as balloon teams tested the inflatables and their handling operations before the centennial parade in New York City
Balloon handlers guide the helium-filled Hello Kitty Big Apple balloon during a test flight at Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
The helium-filled Joe Cool Snoopy balloon undergoes a test flight during Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
Balloon handlers guide the helium-filled Bluey balloon, left, during a test flight as others prepare the Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse balloon for flight at Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
The helium-filled Joe Cool Snoopy and Woodstock balloon, right, undergoes a test flight during Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
Balloon handlers guide the helium-filled Billie Brightpaw balloon during a test flight at Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
The helium-filled Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse balloon undergoes a test flight during Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
The helium-filled Underdog balloon undergoes a test flight during Macy's Balloonfest at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, ahead of the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. | Photo: AP/Ted Shaffrey
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