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A high-kicking Kung Fu Panda and a diary-toting Wimpy Kid joined the giant balloon lineup as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade unfolded Thursday, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the annual extravaganza on a chilly, overcast morning.

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Executive producer of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Amy Kule and former executive producer Robin Hall celebrate the 84th Thanksgiving Day Parade at New York Stock Exchange on November 24, 2010 in New York, New York.Stephen Lovekin

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Members of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation team work on the Buzz Lightyear balloon during preparations for the 84th annual parade in New York November 24, 2010.SHANNON STAPLETON

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Onlookers watch as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade staff inflate balloons November 24, 2010 in New York City. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 15 giant character balloons and 43 novelty balloons.Mario Tama

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The Spiderman balloon lies on the ground inflated, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, as it, and other balloons, are readied for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.Tina Fineberg

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Spiderman floats down Broadway in Times Square as he joins the giant balloon lineup for the 84th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York November 25, 2010.TIMOTHY A. CLARY

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The Ronald McDonald balloon floats through Columbus Circle during the 84th Macy's Thanksgiving day parade in New York November 25, 2010.BRENDAN MCDERMID

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A float depicting the cartoon character Shrek moves down the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade route November 25, 2010 in New York City. The 84th annual celebration featured approximately 8,000 participants including more 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers, twelve marching bands, and an assortment of celebrities in addition to 15 giant character balloons.Chris Hondros

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The Snoopy float glides down Central Park South during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade November 25, 2010 in New York City. This year's annual parade features approximately 8,000 participants, 15 giant character balloons and 43 novelty balloons.Chris Hondros/Getty Images

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Kanye West on the New York Daily News Big Apple float rides down Broadway in Times Square as he joins the giant balloon lineup for the 84th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York November 25, 2010.TIMOTHY A. CLARY

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Singer Jessica Simpson waves to fans during the 84th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, November 25, 2010.BRENDAN MCDERMID

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Kermit the Frog and Diary of a Wimpy Kid balloons float in the air before the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010.Craig Ruttle

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A float depicting the cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants moves down the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade route November 25, 2010 in New York City.Chris Hondros

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