The 80th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 80th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 23, 2006, in New York City and shown to viewers live on NBC that same day from 9 a.m. to noon EST. It was hosted by Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Al Roker. The lineup featured 12 giant helium character balloons, 48 novelty/ornament balloons, balloonheads and balloonicles, 33 floats, nine marching bands, more than 1,200 cheerleaders/dancers, 800 clowns, a host of celebrities and large performance groups, and the one-and-only Santa Claus.