Crowds were anything but “poultry” yesterday at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where balmy weather, a trio of new balloons and plenty of old favorites created a perfect recipe for family fun.
Children shrieked for Shrek, who made his parade debut this year, and Broadway fans finally got to tap their toes to a number from “Legally Blonde,” which has been shuttered since the stagehands’ strike began.
The “Legally Blonde” cast was forced to perform the song “What You Want” at the start of the three-hour extravaganza without costumes and props.
Children thronged Central Park West chanting, “Dora! Dora!” as the Dora the Explorer balloon floated down the street, surrounded by Mr. Potato Head, Kermit the Frog and Pikachu.
But they saved their loudest screams for the young celebrities featured in the parade, including “High School Musical’s” Corbin Bleu.
“He’s the coolest. He’s in all the good movies,” said 9-year-old Sean Meier of Rockaway. “It’s so cool to see all the famous people. Since I’m screaming and yelling so much they all looked at me!”
Lauren Wagner, 18, from Hamburg, NJ, got up early to grab a spot to watch “High School Musical’s” Ashley Tisdale.
“We have been here since 4 a.m. to see her. We taped her performance and we’re going to watch it tonight while we eat,” she explained.
Country stars Wynonna Judd and Dolly Parton also played for the fans.
Three new balloons debuted this year – Shrek, “Sesame Street’s” Abby Cadabby and Hello Kitty Supercute.
Mayor Bloomberg also put in an appearance, before going uptown to carve a turkey with formerly homeless trainees at The Doe Fund’s Harlem center, then heading to The Bronx to visit an Emergency Medical Service station.
The 60-degree temperatures kept spectators in good spirits, including one Florida family that felt right at home.
“We’re actually eating ice cream right now,” said Laura Castro, 29, as she sucked on a Fudgesicle.
“I brought my kids’ caps and mittens, but we don’t even need them.”
Off the parade route, parents lined up outside the St. James Theatre on West 44th Street to buy tickets for “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” which was reopened under a judge’s order Wednesday. Performances are to resume today at 11 a.m.
“It was a great decision from the judge,” said Greg Kerbel, 41, who scored tickets for his wife and two kids.
“We spent $570 on tickets. Welcome to Christmas, American style!”