Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade through the years

From left to right, the Range Rider, Jack Sterling, ringmaster of "The Big Top," and Jackie Gleason, star of " The Honeymooners, watch the finish of the 26th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1952.

Dale Evans, center, and Roy Rogers, right, of the highly popular children's program, "The Roy Rogers Show" greet the crowd along Central Park West during the 1956 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

No need to fear, Underdog, pictured during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1967, was a parade staple from 1966-1980.

The Disney parade float with children's favorites Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, Goofy, Snow White is pictured during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1968.

The Miracle Mets of '69 with Tug McGraw, Ron Taylor and Ron Swoboda are featured during the 1969 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after the Met's first world championship. This began a tradition of honoring champion New York teams during the route.

The Thanksgiving turkey float in the 1974 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Smokey the Bear

A dragon and Smokey the Bear pass through Columbus Circle in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, 1974. Smokey the Bear first appeared in the parade in 1966.

A tortoise float is shown in the 1974 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Smokey the Bear

Smokey the Bear makes his way through Manhattan during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28, 1974. Smokey the Bear made his parade debut in 1966.

Bullwinkle and Kermit the Frog

Bullwinkle trails Kermit the Frog along Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24, 1977. The first version of Bullwinkle - without Rocky - was introduced in 1961, and Kermit made his debut in 1977.

Underdog

Underdog soars above Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 22, 1979. Underdog first floated down the streets of Manhattan in 1965.

Able to leap Macy's in a single bound, the Superman flew from 1980-1985. Here, it is pictured during the 1980 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Bullwinkle and a turkey float march through Manhattan during the 1983 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Ann waves to the crowd during her Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut on Nov. 22, 1984.

Betty Boop follows behind Snoopy in the 1985 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

A marching band keeps the beat along the parade route in the 1986 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Santa Claus greets the crowd at the end of the 1986 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Betty Boop soars through Times Square during the 1987 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Spiderman

Spiderman flies down Broadway during his debut in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 26, 1987.

Garfield and Big Bird

Garfield and Big Bird float down Central Park West in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24, 1988. This was the first year Big Bird appeared in the parade. Garfield debuted in 1984.

Eliana Padilla, then 9, of Manhattan, and Kathryn Wagner, then 8, of Freeport, watch Ronald McDonald soar during the 1990 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Bart Simpson skateboards through Times Square in the 1993 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Woody Woodpecker

A partially deflated Woody Woodpecker marches down Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 25, 1993. Woody Woodpecker first appeared in the parade in 1982.

The 'Babe' balloon moves downtown in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Broadway and near 45th St. during the 1998 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Arthur balloon moves downtown as a handler tries to pump up the crowd during the 1998 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Broadway near 42nd Street.

The Rugrats balloon makes its way down Broadway during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001.