EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (WCBS/CNN) - A group of balloons took flight for the first time ever on Saturday before making their public debut Thanksgiving Day in New York City.
The test-drive was led by Macy’s expert flight management team, assisted by hundreds of handlers making sure the crew is strong and ready along with the balloons. The testing focuses on the way the balloon flies, how it reacts to the handlers and the way it responds to heavy winds - something team members say they don’t like to talk about.
The team will make any necessary last-minute changes between now and the big parade, which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with some brand new faces like Olaf from the movie Frozen, The Grinch, Chase from the animated series Paw Patrol and Jet from the TV show Super Wings.
And there are icon revivals, including the balloon version of Harold the Baseball Player from the movie Miracle on 34th Street, which this year has been painted monochrome - just as he appeared onscreen - in celebration of the film’s 70th anniversary.
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