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Philadelphia's 93rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade was blessed with sunny skies, the hard work of literally thousands of volunteers, and crowds that lined just about every inch of the parade route.
VIDEO: 6abc/Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Parade 2012
Those fans were treated to quite a show. By the numbers, there were 14 giant balloons, fifteen fabulous floats, and 18 marching bands that came from all over the county - not to mention quite a few famous faces.
For some, like baby Anthony Ignudo, this was their very first parade.
Mom, Lisa, tells Action News, "I've been coming since I was a baby. So, this is like 25 years, so this is his first time."
For hundreds of Philadelphia families, the parade is the only way to start the Thanksgiving holiday. And generations enjoying the spectacle together could be seen from Center City up to the Art Museum.
Karen Cameron of Mayfair says, "Every year, my husband and I, kids are grown, so we don't miss it. We don't miss it. We love it."
"This is a Philadelphia tradition," says Irene Swinson of Cherry Hill. "Everybody should come out here at least one time. But then you get hooked, and you want to do it over, and over, and over again."
Horsham resident Jim Steward says he's been coming to the parade for "more than 40 years. Came here when I was like six months old. That's my mom, and that's my dad right there, so they got me into this mess."
Even Police Commissioner Ramsey allowed himself a few minutes to enjoy the parade and count his blessings.
Ramsey tells us, "I'm thankful to be here, to be able to enjoy another year, another parade, my family. And I'm thankful for being able to be a part of a great city. I really do enjoy being here, being a part of this department. And I'm very, very thankful. I don't take it for granted."
Once they clean up the confetti, the 6abc team that puts on the parade will get some turkey and some sleep, and then pretty soon they'll start planning for next year.
