| November 27, 2008 Macy's parade marching on amid warning
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(NECN/ABC) - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is America's parade, and onlookers appear unmoved by a warning issued by federal authorities on Wednesday, that terrorists may have planned an attack on New York City's subway system.
Despite that report, the 82nd edition is ready to go, thanks to an army of volunteers who spent the night inflating the stars of the parade -- the 13 giant balloons that will float down the canyons of Manhattan.
The parade planners work all year for this, culminating in a frantic, fabulous last day and night that attracts thousands even before the band strikes up the first note.
Buzz Lightyear joins the parade this year. He will be floating down the 2.5 mile route with old favorites like Kermit and Snoopy.
28 floats and 10 marching bands will entertain along with Miley Cyrus, Trace Atkins, James Taylor and cast members from five Broadway shows.
All this at a time when New York has been put on alert to the threat of a possible terrorist attack to the city's commuter system.
Although there is no evidence of an imminent attack, the FBI said the threat itself was credible, so officials took no chances.
3.5 million people are expected along the parade route. Robert Contreras brought his family from New Orleans, and said the threat will not cause them to alter their plans, at all.
"Keep on doing exactly what I came here to do, which is go to the parade and enjoy this greatest of all cities
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