First Big NYC Thanksgiving Parade Had Zoo Animals

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NEW YORK (CBSMiami/AP) — While the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is now known for it's floats and giant balloons, the first parade had animals from the Central Park Zoo.

Back in 1924, the event was known as the Macy's Christmas Parade.

The giant balloons arrived on the scene in 1927. Felix the Cat was the first character balloon.

In 1929, helium balloons were released over New York City after the parade. Macy's says they were equipped with return address labels. People who found one received a special gift.

To watch the parade live, tune into CBS4 at 9:00 a.m.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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