NEW YORK (AP) _ A festive mood prevailed Thursday as the annual Thanksgiving parade made its way through the crowded streets of New York under brilliant sunshine.

About 3.5 million people were expected to crowd the parade route, sponsor Macy's predicted, while an additional 50 million watched from home.

 



A jetpack-wearing monkey and a freakish creation from filmmaker Tim Burton are two of the big new balloons making inaugural appearances. They joined fan favorites like Snoopy and Spider-Man.

``Those kids, they play good music and they really put on a good show,'' Wilfred Denk, of Munich, Germany, said as he watched the marching bands. He and his wife, Bethina, were on their honeymoon in New York.

In all, the parade featured more than 40 balloon creations, 27 floats, 800 clowns and 1,600 cheerleaders. The star power included Mary J. Blige, Cee Lo Green, Avril Lavigne and the Muppets of Sesame Street.

Near the beginning of the route, Conor Jones, 5, ducked as a troupe of clowns dressed as firefighters doused the crowd with multicolored confetti. He and his twin brother, Nolan, have attended the parade three years in a row.

``I like the bands best,'' he said. His brother preferred the Spider-Man balloon.

Nearby, balloon handler Joe Sullivan, a retired banker, held one of six nylon lines securing a huge floating pumpkin. He's been volunteering in the parade for more than 15 years.

``When it's windy it's a struggle,'' he said. ``But today is great weather. It's going to be a lot of fun.''

The parade got its start in 1924 and included live animals such as camels, goats and elephants. Giant helium balloons replaced them in 1927.

Since the beginning, the balloons have been based on popular cultural characters and holiday themes. Returning favorites this year include Buzz Lightyear, Clumsy Smurf, SpongeBob SquarePants and Kermit the Frog.