High Winds Didn't Stop 100th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It was too breezy for the balloons to fly at the 100th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia on Thursday. The balloons were grounded because of high winds reaching 45 miles per hour.
A wind advisory was issued for most of the region until 6 p.m. Thursday.
8:30 AM - Strong winds ground balloons in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade. Gusts reached 45 mph earlier this morning in Philly. @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/gV76BiPul4
— Tiffany Savona (@TiffanySavonaWX) November 28, 2019
But that didn't stop the celebration at the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country.
"It means a lot to us! This is the oldest parade in the country and we are very thankful to be here right now," a parade-goer said.
100th Annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade Road Closures
Music was blaring and marching bands were marching, parade-goers were parading their way down JFK Boulevard, Eakins Oval, over to the Ben Franklin Parkway as everyone made their way towards the Art Museum.
"This is just amazing. It's the 100th year. We're the best!" another parade-goer added.
Kids and families were able to enjoy the day, despite the high winds.
"We are a little disappointed we won't be seeing the ballons but it's still good," a parade-goer said.
Balloon operators went on with their duties despite not having balloons to carry. To the delight of onlookers who say no matter what the weather looks like, this is a tradition in our city and cannot be missed.
The roads are expected to be cleared by 2 p.m.