Thanksgiving brings blissful times and people together. And Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a reason for joy this year, too, as more than 3.5 million people gathered on Thursday in Manhattan so as to take part in the 82^nd march, which saw colossal decorations embellish the packed streets of New York.

However, the major points of attraction of the day were the 13 giant balloons that resembled, among others, Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s “Toy Story,” Horton the elephant from Dr. Seuss’ books, as well as a five-story tall Smurf. Each gigantic balloon required more than 5,000 cubic feet of helium.

Among the 31 smaller balloons, there was an inflatable created in the memory of graffiti artist Keith Haring, who passed away in 1990.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also included over two dozens of floats, ten marching bands, as well as performances by Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, James Taylor and the Radio City Rockettes.

Approximately 50 million television viewers were expected to watch the parade this year.

The annual parade started in 1924, but it began gaining widespread popularity in the 1930s. The first Mickey Mouse balloon was introduced in the parade in 1934 and while the parade was suspended during World War II, it resumed in the mid ‘40s, with the route that has been followed until now.

Macy’s also sponsors the less expansive Celebrate the Season Parade in Pittsburgh, which takes place a couple of days following the main event.