Three animated characters are poised to make their debut as giant balloons in the annual US Thanksgiving Day Parade that’s put on by American department store chain Macy’s
Gabby and her friend Pandy Paws from DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse will join the floating lineup for the first time this year, along with Disney’s iconic Minnie Mouse. And PAW Patrol‘s fearless leader Chase is stepping down after six years of participating in the parade to give fellow pup Marshall the Dalmatian a turn in the spotlight.
These newcomers will join veterans Elf on the Shelf, Spider-Man and Dragon Ball’s Goku, who will all sport new balloon designs. Other returning characters include Bluey, Snoopy, SpongeBob Squarepants and Pikachu & Eevee.
This year marks the 98th edition of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and its 100-year anniversary (it was canceled between 1942 and 1944 because of World War II). The event will usher in the holiday season for kids and families on November 28 in Manhattan, featuring its largest lineup to date of 22 balloons, 33 floats, 28 clown crews, 24 celebrity performers, 11 marching bands and four performance groups.