Thousands of people lined the streets Thursday amid heavy security, including bomb-sniffing dogs and portable radiation detectors, as iconic inflatable balloons, costumed characters and clowns floated, marched and danced their way through New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Revelers cheered and yelled, "Thank you!" as police walked the parade route, and the crowd gave special attention to the New York Police Department marching band.

Spectators — sometimes standing 10 deep — held signs and balloons as they watched Santa Claus and his reindeer, Ronald McDonald and SpongeBob SquarePants pass by. Charlie Brown led the signature balloons as the parade kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before the parade made its way to Macy's flagship store on 34th Street.

Photos: 90th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats Through NYC

Clowns carrying bundles of balloons rode down the parade route as marching bands from across the country entertained revelers. Costumed characters and dozens of celebrities, including singers Tony Bennett and Sarah McLachlan and Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez, were among the attendees.

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