Manhattan Chowder, Back in the Big Apple

A tradition on the Upper West Side on Thanksgiving eve is to watch the inflation of the balloons for the famous Macy's parade. Baracades are set up along 81st Street and Central Park West, where the parade route begins, for spectators to gawk, snap photos and watch these characters come to life. I'll admit they look a little gruesome face down under netting like this and Shreck and Mr. Potato head appear to be eating people in the crowd below, but I assure you no one was harmed here last night. I particularly like the shot of the parade workers enjoying a break for during what I'm sure is a very long night for them.