Balloons Over New York: The Thanksgiving Parade
Every year, people in New York City celebrate Thanksgiving with a big holiday parade. The famous parade first began in 1924. In the beginning, workers marched down the streets with music, colorful floats, and live animals from the zoo. Many families lined the sidewalks to watch the exciting show.
A few years later, in 1927, the parade added something new and special. Giant helium balloons joined the march for the very first time. The first balloons were shaped like friendly animals, such as an elephant and a dinosaur. These huge shapes floated high in the sky and amazed the cheering crowds below.
Today, giant balloons are still a favorite part of the parade. A large group of helpers called balloon handlers works together to guide each balloon safely. The handlers hold onto long, strong ropes attached to the bottom of the balloon. They walk in step and steer the giant shapes around street corners, tall buildings, and trees. It takes great teamwork to keep the giant balloons floating smoothly through the city.
- floats:
- Large decorated platforms or vehicles that move in a parade.
- helium:
- A very light gas that makes balloons rise into the air.
- handlers:
- People who guide, hold, or control something with their hands.
- steer:
- To guide or direct the path of something that is moving.
- teamwork:
- A group of people working together to do a job.
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- 1In what year did the famous holiday parade first begin in New York City?
- 2What live creatures were part of the very first parade?
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About this report passage for 2nd Grade
“Balloons Over New York: The Thanksgiving Parade” is a report reading passage about Thanksgiving Parade Balloons, written for 2nd Grade. It takes about 1 minute to read (172 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.