Balloons take flight at Macy’s parade

Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants and Toothless the dragon got their time in the sky Thursday after Macy's allowed balloons to fly in its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade despite concerns over weather conditions.

Those Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons — and 13 other giant balloons — were threatened with grounding if sustained winds exceeded 23 mph and gusts exceeded 34 mph.

But the New York Police Department decided Thursday morning that the winds were calm enough for the 16 giant character balloons to lift off.

"We thought they'd find a way to pull it off," said parade-goer John Mispagel, of San Jose, Calif. "It's really fun seeing so many people having such a great time."

Balloon handlers were keeping a tight grip on their inflated characters and held them fairly close to the ground in tree-lined areas.

Mispagel and his wife, Susan, said Sonic the Hedgehog got caught on a tree while rounding a corner near the start of the parade route; handlers used cutters on a rope to free the balloon.

The cheering throngs were bundled against a 30-degree chill, but the sun was shining. Some in the crowd lifted small children onto their shoulders.

An excited 9-year-old Lily Thomolaris, of Pittsburgh, was excited to "see all the balloons." But she especially thought a big turkey was really cool.

MORE: How Macy's Thanksgiving Parade comes together

Balloons have only been grounded once in the parade's 87-year history, when bad weather kept them from flying in 1971.

Today, we fly! :) #MacysParade

— PEANUTS (@Snoopy) November 28, 2013

Weather has caused parade organizers — and watchers — troubles in the past. In 1997, winds drove a Cat in the Hat balloon into a metal pole. The ensuing damage left a woman in a coma for almost a month before she recovered. In 2005, an M&M balloon knocked over a streetlight that injured two sisters.

After the 1997 accident, Macy's worked with New York City and "participated in a full review of the incide! nt," says Macy's spokesman Orlando Veras. The new wind guidelines where put into place after that review.

Following the 2005 incident, Macy's updated "its system of monitoring weather patterns at different heights at key points on the route," says Veras.

In addition to weather issues, controversy is swirling around two floats.

Animal rights activists are upset that a SeaWorld float, which features two 27-foot orcas, is joining the parade. They claim SeaWorld doesn't treat its whales well.

Sightseers walk past giant balloons the evening before the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27.  John Moore, Getty ImagesFullscreen Spectators dressed as turkeys stand behind police barricades as they wait for the parade to begin.  John Minchillo, APFullscreen A performer carries balloons.  Julio Cortez, APFullscreen Balloon handlers wait for protective netting to be removed from the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon.  John Minchillo, APFullscreen Kim Dodson, of Kissimmee, Fla., wears a hat with a turkey while keeping warm before the start of the parade.  Julio Cortez, APFullscreen Spectators watch from an apartment block as giant balloons float past.  Kena Betancur, Getty ImagesFullscreen The Snoopy and Woodstock balloon makes its way down the street.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen Parade marchers wave to the crowd.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAYFullscreen Spectators wave to the passing floats during the parade.  Robert Deutsch, USA TODAYFullscreen The Ronald McDonald balloon on Central Park West.  Timothy Clary, AFP/Getty ImagesFullscreen Spongebob Squarepants battles the crosswinds in front of the Trump Tower.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen The Marine Corps Band marches down Central Park West.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen The Spider-Man balloon makes its way down Central Park West. The balloon was partial torn on the arm, but remained airborne.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen Spectators watch from the Time Warner Center.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen The Elf on the Shelf balloon on Central Park West.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen Spectators on balconies watch as Buzz Lightyear passes.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreen Santa waves to the crowd at the end of the parade.  Robert Deutsch, USA TodayFullscreenLike this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:ReplayAutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext Slide

SeaWorld says the accusations have "absolutely no basis" and that "the men and women who care for these animals at SeaWorld are dedicated in every respect to their health and well-being."

And ranchers were rankled that singer Joan Jett was slated to perform on the South Dakota tourism float, saying the vegetarian and animal-rights activist wasn't a good representative for their beef-producing state. She will still be in the parade, just not on that float.

Macy's said the parade does not engage in social commentary or political debate.

Wind and politics aside! , the bal! loons were inflated on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Wednesday.

More than 50 million people are expected to see at least part of the parade on TV or live.

There will be 30 full-size floats, 11 marching bands, 900 clowns and 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers.

Contributing: Doyle Rice; The Associated Press

Balloon handlers wait ahead of the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, 2013 in New York.(Photo: John Minchillo, AP)