NEW YORK — A high-kicking Kung Fu Panda and a diary-toting Wimpy Kid will join the giant balloon lineup for the 84th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Live entertainers expected at Thursday’s parade include Kanye West, Gladys Knight and Colombian rocker Juanes.
Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the parade route, with millions more watching the live broadcast on NBC.
Returning balloon characters include Spider-Man, Smurf and Pillsbury Doughboy.
The Broadway casts of “American Idiot” and “Elf” will perform.
The Macy’s parade tradition started in 1924. The parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944 because rubber and helium were needed for the war effort.