NEW YORK -- The start of the holiday season is just around the corner and the new kids on the block are gearing up for their debuts in the official kick-off to the holiday season, the 81st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

On Thursday, November 22nd at 9:00 AM the magic takes to the skies and the streets of the Big Apple in America's favorite Parade.

Turkey Day marks the debut of 3 new giant character helium balloons, 4 new fantastic floats and a new contemporary art balloon. From classic characters to whimsical floating stages, the 81st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will once again feature a stellar starring cast.

Joining returning favorites, these new stars will delight millions of spectators in their first proud procession down Broadway to Macy's Herald Square.

Flying Icons

ABBY CADABBY
SESAME WORKSHOP
Making her Macy's Parade debut this year is the newest Muppet of Sesame Street, the fairy-in-training, Abby Cadabby. The first female Muppet to join the cast in 13 years, Abby debuts her brand of exuberance and magic to the delight of millions of Parade spectators.

Standing at 56 feet long, 37.5 feet wide, and 48.5 feet high, Abby and her magic wand will be filled with 16,100 cubic feet of helium leading the way down Broadway for her first Parade flight.

HELLO KITTY "SUPERCUTE"
SANRIO, INC.
Up, up and away! The cutest superhero ever takes to the skies this Thanksgiving, as Sanrio's world-famous icon Hello Kitty makes her Broadway debut. For the first time, the Hello Kitty Supercute Balloon takes flight over New York City in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

Hello Kitty will be ready for action, dressed in her Supercute superhero outfit, complete with cape and tiara to complement her favorite red bow! Standing at 33.6 feet tall, 34.8 feet wide and 45 feet long, Hello Kitty will soar over the Big Apple accompanied by approximately 80 balloon handlers.

SHREK
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION SKG
This Thanksgiving, a giant ogre flies in from Far Far Away and takes over Manhattan as Shrek makes his grand debut flying high in the Macy's Parade. Taking a break from his beloved swamp, Shrek will literally become larger- than-life as he makes an ogre the top transformation into a 44 foot tall, 47 foot long and 39.3 foot wide, flying green giant.

Dressed in his signature woodsman outfit complete with oatmeal sweater, plaid pants and brown vest, Shrek will be filled with over 14,130 cubic feet of helium for his trip down the Big Apple.

"RABBIT" BY JEFF KOONS
Originally a famous modern art sculpture by world-renowned artist Jeff Koons, Macy's has re-interpreted the work and created the new "Rabbit" by Jeff Koons balloon.

Continuing with Macy's "Blue Sky Gallery" series, which invites famous artists to design Parade balloons, the magicians at the Macy's Parade Studio have transformed the sculpture of a shiny, metallic bunny into flying art measuring 53.5 feet tall, 26.5 wide and filled with 4,650 cubic feet of helium.

Floating Beauties

THE CARE BEARS WINTER FUN-DERLAND
AMERICAN GREETINGS
The Care Bears' "Winter Fun-derland" float will take Cheer Bear, Funshine Bear, Share Bear, and Oopsy Bear on a trip down the Great White Way as they ice skate on Heartland Pond. Just down the hill from the Wishing Tree and over the Friendship Bridge, heart shaped trees, bushes and lampposts gingerly overlook the ice skating on the frozen pond as the Care Bears frolic and spread holiday cheer.

The magical caring float reminiscent of the Care Bears' magical cloud home, Care-a-lot, even has a spot for Grumpy Bear. to sit and pout, before giving in to the fun and merriment. Along for the ride will be Kay Hanley performing "Caring Changes The World."

INTERNATIONAL CELE-BEAR-ATION CLOCK TOWER
BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Build-A-Bear Workshop huggable mascots Bearemy and Pawlette Coufur, have some beary special friends joining them for their debut ride down Broadway on the International Cele-bear-ation Clock Tower.

From the Empire State to countries around the world, the float celebrates the fun and merriment of the holiday season with everyone's favorite childhood friend, the loveable Teddy Bear. Joining the Cele-bear-ation will be the Jonas Brothers performing their hit "SOS."

M&M'S CHOCOLATE CANDIES ON BROADWAY
MARS NORTH AMERICA
The colorful M&M's are at it again, this time taking Broadway by storm. Red and Yellow, along with Blue, Green and Orange have transformed into Broadway stars taking the stage in the best productions on the Great White Way. Taking a ride on a Broadway themed float, the colorful chocolate bunch take on roles in some of Broadway's best-hit musicals.

Red transforms into King Arthur in Spamalot, Yellow and Orange tap dance their way onto the front of the line in A Chorus Line, Green defies gravity as Elphaba in Wicked, and Blue hides behind the Phantom's mask in The Phantom of the Opera. Joining the tasty stars will be Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff, stars of the Tony Award winning Spring Awakening, performing "Give My Regards to Broadway."
MUSIC BIGGER THAN LIFE
GIBSON GUITAR
Music lives this Thanksgiving as the Music Bigger Than Life float makes its Broadway debut. Music surrounds us, overwhelms us and makes us feel alive and the newest float in the Parade line-up does the same.

Featuring a massive Gibson "Les Paul" Guitar as its centerpiece, the float takes music to a whole new scale as giant instruments take center stage. An oversized drum kit, giant amplifier and classic piano hit the right notes on the over-the-top float as it rocks to the holiday beat. Headlining and stopping traffic, country superstar Wynonna will perform her rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas."

All performing talent subject to change.