Thanksgiving 2013: Macy's parade balloons could be grounded
they are the inflatable stars of America's
biggest holiday celebration – but the giant balloons of the Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade could be grounded on Thursday for only the second
time in the event's 87-year history as a major winter storm sweeps across
the country.
If wind gusts exceed 34mph, the giant versions of Snoopy, Woodstock and
SpongeBob Square Pants will not be allowed to soar between Manhattan's
skyscrapers for safety reasons. And America is holding its collective breath
as forecasters predict wind speeds of up to 40mph this year.
The no-fly gust rules were introduced after a Cat in the Hat balloon toppled a
light pole and seriously injured a woman spectator during a blustery parade
in 1997.
Organisers and police will make the final call on Thursday morning on whether
to ground the balloons.
The parade, which normally attracts three million spectators to the streets of
New York as well as 50 million TV viewers, is tinged with unusual
controversy as animal rights activists are planning protests along the
parade against a float for SeaWorld featuring Shamu the killer whale.
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