Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation 2018: What You Need To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Time to get pumped up. The 92nd Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is about to hit the streets of New York City, but before that happens a crew of elite balloon handlers must fill dozens of beloved gas bags with lots and lots of helium.

More than one million spectators are expected to gather on the streets of the Upper West Side Wednesday afternoon to watch Macy's workers inflate the 16 enormous parade balloons, which will weighed down with sandbags and netting until parade day.

Should you decide to join the million, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Where To Go

The official entrance and security checkpoint is on the east side of Columbus Avenue and West 73rd Street, according to the NYPD. The route begins on West 74th and Central Park West and ends at 81st Street and Central Park West.

When To Go

Spectators are invited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Macy's recommends coming between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. when the crowds are less and the balloons begin to take shape. They also warn the viewing area will close at 8 p.m. sharp, so plan accordingly.

How To Get There

There will be many street closures (more detail on that below) Wednesday so the subway or your feet might make better bets than the car. Take the B or C train to the 72nd Street station.

What To Bring And What To Leave At Home

Do bring warm clothing as forecasters are predicting a frigid Thanksgiving week. But police request you leave large backpacks, lawn chairs, umbrellas, coolers and booze at home.

What To Look For

Here are some fun facts, courtesy of Macy's.

• The Longest Balloon: Check out the Red Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, whose 45-foot arms span the length of a standard school bus.
• The Widest Balloon: The Super Wings Jett's wingspan is equal to the size of an actual Learjet.
• The Original Balloon: DINO balloon returned to the Macy’s Parade in 2015 after nearly 40 years. It was inducted into the Museum of Natural History in 1975.
• New Balloons: New characters include Goku from “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” and the elves Fleck, Bjorn, Jojo and Hugg from Netflix’s “The Christmas Chronicles.”

Street Closures

West 73rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue will close at 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the NYPD.

The following streets will close at noon:

• Central Park West from West 73rd to 85th streets
• West 74th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 75th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 76th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 77th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 78th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 80th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 81st Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 82nd Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 83rd Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 84th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• West 85th Street between Columbus and Central Park West
• Central Park Transverse Road at Central Park West and West 81 Street

West 81st and West 77th streets between Central Park West to Columbus Avenue and Central Park West between 59th and 86th streets will remain closed to traffic after 10 p.m.

The Super Wings Jett balloon is inflated to prepare for the 91st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22, 2017 in New York City. Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images