Macy's parade, an American tradition

Whether we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at home, snuggled in pajamas or lined along Manhattan's West Side, bundled against the usual chill, it's one of the few traditions Americans share.

The 85th annual parade begins Thursday at 9 a.m. on NBC. And Thursday night at 10, Matt Lauer hosts a one-hour special chronicling its history.

From Tom Turkey, the balloon that historically launches the parade, until Santa glides in front of Macy's flagship store three hours later, 800 clowns, 27 floats, 1,600 cheerleaders, 44 novelty balloons and 11 marching bands wend their way three miles downtown.

The tallest float this year, at 36 feet, is the new torch of freedom, a re-creation of the hand, arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty, respecting the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Among this year's other new attractions are the return of Sonic the Hedgehog and cartoonist/designer Paul Frank's creation Julius the monkey wearing a jet pack debuts. Despite the changes, the tradition is constant.

A COMFORTING TRADITION "It is one of the few experiences we have that is comforting and feels like it is always there," says singer Michael Feinstein, making his fifth appearance in the parade. "They keep up with the time, but they also do not let go of tradition."

Feinstein wrote a kids song for the parade about pirates, and this year he will be on the Jolly Pirate Ship float.

"There is something so extraordinary about being on the float and the two hours leading up to the actual performance broadcast because that is when you have the chance to connect with an extraordinary number of people, who are all at their best, people who are happy and appreciating life and enjoying the celebration of something good in our world that has lasted."

Being on the float gives an unusual perspective, Feinstein says, as he sees people waving from the windows and gets a panoramic view. Though he's lived in Manhattan and Los Angeles for years, Feinstein says, "The parade was just as important to me growing up in Ohio because tradition is very important in our country right now at a time when so many things are changing or lost; when the world is becoming more segmented, the parade is something we all share as a country."

McCREERY MAKES THE SCENE Among those appearing at this year's parade is "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery, who will be riding on the Home Baked Goodness float and will sing "Trouble With Girls."

He ponders which is his favorite balloon and settles on a certain lovable blockhead.

"Is there a Charlie Brown one? I love that one! People say when I was younger, I looked like him. When I was young, I was chubby -- when I was really, really young."