NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� They're up, up and 鈥� almost 鈥� away.
The massive helium balloons that will float through New York City for took shape on Wednesday, when they were filled with helium ahead of the big event.
鈥淵ou see these giant balloons come to life and they鈥檙e really, really huge," said Stephanie Senkevich, one of dozens of people helping inflate the stars of Thursday's show. 鈥淵ou can see them start on the ground right next to you where you look taller than them. And slowly, slowly, they start to raise right above you.鈥�
This year, 17 giant character balloons and other inflatables will travel from Manhattan鈥檚 Upper West Side to Macy鈥檚 Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, alongside floats, performers, marching bands and more.
New balloons for 2025 will feature characters including Minnie Mouse, Goku from 鈥滵ragon Ball鈥� and Spider-Man, joining longtime favorites such as Smokey Bear and SpongeBob SquarePants.
The Associated Press
