NEW YORK — Thanksgiving is almost here and so is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade's famous balloons were inflated Wednesday. The event — at 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side and winding around the Museum of Natural History — was open to the public, although proof of COVID-19 vaccination was required to attend.

It’s a holiday tradition that attracts people from all over the country, like one couple from Sarasota, Florida, that wanted their first time in the city to be at the helm of the holiday season.

“This has been on my bucket list for many years. So, just excited to see it in person and have everyone together again after COVID is kind of exciting," Mikayla Tate said. "We’re just excited to be here and feel the holiday spirit.”

The balloons already got a test flight at Citi Field earlier this month.

Due to the pandemic, last year's balloon inflation was closed to the public. The parade itself was scaled down and not live, social distancing was enforced, and instead of the typical 2.5-mile parade route, all production took place in and around Herald Square. 

“It’s a really special year as it relates to the parade itself, but it’s a really special year for New York. Last year we were able to execute a parade, but it was a modified version. This year we’re back, we're on the streets of New York City," said Will Coss, the executive producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. "We've got 10 marching bands, 15 giant character balloons; we've got 28 floats, we've got a whole host of performances — it’s the spectacle you know and love.”

Dozens of balloons will fly high during the parade. And as Snoopy, Smokey the Bear, Pikachu and Papa Smurf got their finishing touches at the inflation Wednesday, they served as reminders that New York can rise above the most difficult times — for all generations, but especially for younger generations to enjoy.

“We used to go as children, it was great," Long Island resident William Pitta said. "So I’m happy to see them doing the same thing."

The parade will kick off at West 77th Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side at 9 a.m. Thursday, proceed down Central Park West, make a left on West 59th Street and and veer right onto Sixth Avenue toward West 34th Street before wrapping up in front of Macy’s Herald Square. Here's which streets will be closed.

COVID-19 vaccination is not required to watch the parade in person, although paradegoers should wear masks.