Wait, they are having the parade?!

[LuFins Dad]

I can’t have Aunt Agnes over for dinner, but we can watch marching bands spitting their germs all over the place....

[George K]

That's right peasant. That's different because shut up.

[Copper]

Macy's will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade -- but only for TV

(CNN) — If you live in New York City or had hoped to travel there for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, you're out of luck. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there will not be the usual millions lining the Manhattan parade route to watch the giant balloons, festive floats and performers.

But take heart: The parade itself will go on. It's just going to be staged as a TV-only event in 2020. New Yorkers and visitors will have to enjoy the parade the way the rest of the country has traditionally done it -- from the comfort and safety of home.

NBC will air the 2020 parade from 9 a.m. to noon in all time zones Thursday. Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker will host."While it will may look different in execution, we invite everyone to tune in and experience our incredible celebration on television featuring our signature character balloons, dazzling animated floats, whimsical clowns, world-class performances, and of course the arrival of Santa Claus, who will once again herald the start of the holiday season," said Susan Tercero, the executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in a statement.

The treasured tradition, which many consider a standard part of the holiday, can easily be enjoyed from afar, though Parade aficionados will detect some notable differences.

The 2.5-mile route in Manhattan, for example, has been shortened, with the focus on the last section of the annual march.

Viewers can still expect signature balloons such as Ronald McDonald and Sinclair's Dino, floats and performances, though there will be far fewer participants this year.

And the finale is intact also; Santa Claus's appearance will be captured on NBC's national television special. Santa will arrive in front of Macy's famed flagship store on 34th Street to kick off the holiday season as is tradition.

[Jolly]

The show must go on!

[jon-nyc]

Virtually, they say, but I haven’t read what they’ll do to stop people from watching it anyway.

Also it’s much more mechanized. From Cuomo’s daily Covid email:

2. The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade will be aired virtually tomorrow. Although Thanksgiving this year is different, some traditions will still go on — one of those is the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade will be held for a TV audience and will feature the iconic character balloons and musical performances. Instead of having 2,000 balloon handlers, as the parade has had in the past, there will be just 130 — with many utility vehicles being used to help fly the balloons.

[jon-nyc]

I have no doubt they can do the parade safely. I’m just wondering if they’ll stop crowds from forming.

[Mik]

I'm not sure they can. I am, on the other hand, sure a lot of people will see the opportunity to see the parade without all the crowds. Ergo, crowds.

[jon-nyc]

Yeah that’s my point. I mean I think they get the floats moving safely and literally execute the event.

But it’s really hard to stop people from watching it unless they completely close the sidewalks and the side streets a block in each direction.