Thanksgiving Day Parade watchers and performers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The music, the marching, the floats, the balloons and people help make up the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade made its way up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Thursday for yet another year, a Thanksgiving feast for the eyes and ears.

Jim Lepera of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, said, "It's family tradition, it's great, bring the kids, they love it."

Denessa Frazier of Lawnside, New Jersey, said, "This is my very first time, my daughter's actually in the parade."



Whether a seasoned spectator or first-time fan, there was plenty to cheer about. Balloons, bands, performances and floats.

Even a terrifying T. Rex treated the crowd to a spin.

Debbi Cahill of Coatesville added, "As a child, my dad would bring us down. My mom would stay at home and cook dinner. So when we came home from the parade, the elves would help decorate the house."

The Whalen family has been coming for more than 50 years. It started with the four brothers, and this is the first year one of them wasn't able to attend.



For decades the gathering has grown. Now more than 60 friends and family come to celebrate.

Bob Whalen, longtime parade goer said, "We started off with my niece, Stacy, when she was 2-years-old. We were holding her on our shoulders, then as kids started to grow, scaffolding just progressed."

Holiday cheer, family, friends and traditions of old and some in the making.

Taylan Aydin of Washington Township said, "It's awesome every year we watch this on TV, but now we are watching it and we are on TV."

The spectators and performers are now heading home to their families. Another successful year on the Parkway.