The Muppets take Manhattan in New York's annual parade

Published on Thursday 26 November 2009 21:40

THE 83rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off in New York City yesterday, with a 60ft Kermit the Frog hovering over holiday revellers.

Yesterday's extravaganza featured marching bands, clowns, performers and dozens of huge balloons depicting cartoon characters.

Tourists from across the country lined up to catch a glimpse of the parade, a tradition on the Thanksgiving holiday that Americans celebrate.

Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, waved to crowds from a Statue of Liberty float she shared with Meb Keflezighi, the first American in 11 years to win the New York City Marathon.

For the first time, the parade route bypassed Broadway, which cuts a diagonal slice through Manhattan, as it made its way south from the Upper West Side to the finish at Macy's flagship store in Herald Square.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, thousands gathered for the 83rd annual America's Thanksgiving Parade.