Since the beginning, the balloons - both large and smaller - have been based on popular cultural characters and holiday themes. The parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944 because rubber and helium were needed for World War II. It was not until 1927 that the live animals were replaced by giant helium balloons.

The parade got its start 87 years ago in 1924, and included live animals such as camels, goats and elephants. The parade begins at 77th Street and heads south on Central Park West to Seventh Avenue, before moving to Sixth Avenue and ending at Macy's Herald Square. Famous for Julius the Monkey I visited his store in Las Vegas and fell in love with his work because well. Monkeys are my thing & Paul Frank is an American cartoonist, artist and fashion designer. 'There is no indication in any current weather models that the flight of these balloons will be affected.' Otto Seibold (born 1960) is an American artist and children's book creator. 'The flight of our giant character balloons is based on real conditions about an hour before the parade begins and not advance forecasts,' she said in an email. Parade spokeswoman Holly Thomas said officials were monitoring the weather. National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Morrin said a storm was expected to speed away by Thursday morning, leaving mostly sunny skies and 10 mph winds, well below city guidelines for grounding balloons.

To see all about the Macy's parade by the numbers, go here.Ībout 3.5 million people are expected to crowd the Manhattan parade route on Thursday, while an additional 50 million are watching from home. Blige, Cee Lo Green, Avril Lavigne and the Muppets of Sesame Street will participate, some taking the stage at the end of the route in Herald Square and others performing on floats. Macy's parade also is expected to feature more than 40 other balloon creations, 27 floats, 800 clowns and 1,600 cheerleaders. Wednesday across the street from the western side of Central Park between 77th and 81 streets. The helium heavies were inflated beginning at 3 p.m. Sporting a jetpack, the 41-foot-tall Julius joins 14 other giant balloons, including fellow newcomer B., a freakish creation from filmmaker Tim Burton, and video game character Sonic the Hedgehog returns after an 18-year absence. There'll be some monkeying around at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when Paul Frank's sock puppet-inspired simian Julius makes its debut in front of millions of spectators today.

Julius the monkey