Learn About Macy's Thanksgiving Parade - as part of the holiday series by GeoBeats.

I'd like to tell you top 10 facts about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

- Started in 1924, it was originally called the Macy's Christmas Day.

- Every year since then, the parade has been presented by Macy's in New York City on the thanksgiving day.

- It was initiated by Macy's first generation immigrant employees, who wanted to express gratitude using European style of festivals.

- In the early years, horses pulled the floats and live animals from the Central Park Zoo, such as bears, lions, and tigers were part of the parade.

- The 1927 parade introduced the first giant balloons and these balloons have been the main attraction of the parade ever since.

- During World War II, the parade did not take place from 1942-1944 and rubber from deflated balloons was donated to war effort.

- Today’s parade includes over a dozen massive balloons with Snoopy holding the record for the most appearances.

- 4000 volunteers take part in the exciting 2 mile parade stretch.

- Over 3 million visitors watch in person and over 40 million watch on television.

- The public can watch the giant balloon inflation evening before Thanksgiving near the American Museum of Natural History at 77th Street.