Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Get ready

New Yorkers could use a parade now more than ever. Luckily, the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is almost here (macys.com/parade, hotline 212-494-4495, or download the free app for iPhone). Not only are there massive balloons, marching bands, 900 clowns and Santa Claus at this perennial favorite, there's also a Queens-based '80s-tribute dance troupe making its parade debut.

Giving a jolt of fresh artistic energy to the proceedings is a new balloon by KAWS, also known as Brian Donnelly, a street art pioneer who has lately gone more mainstream with his odd characters. KAWS' Companion, a shy fellow with his face in his hands, will be floating down the streets with more recognizable balloons. It's the latest in Macy's Blue Sky Gallery series, enlisting fine artists to contribute to the parade.