With plenty of pomp, circumstance and excitement, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade rolled through Manhattan Thursday morning.

People who turned out to watch couldn't ask for better weather.

Macy's says this year's parade has more than 8,000 participants when you include the balloon handlers, clowns and marching bands.

The parade features 17 giant character balloons and 27 floats.

Many of the people there say they're excited to be part of the annual event.

"The Macy's parade is really part of Americana, it is what kicks off the holiday season for millions of Americans," said one paradegoer.

"I'm excited for the 'Hello Kitty' balloon," said one young viewer.

"It's a family tradition, we watch it every year."

"Beyond excited," said another.

"So super excited to be here," another said. "Why? Because I watched it on TV for years and years."

"Just the nostalgia, for the most part, I remember watching this when I was a little girl," said another paradegoer.

Thursday marked the 89th year for the Thanksgiving Day parade and Macy's says they're already looking ahead — it says each parade takes about two years to plan.