The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade In The 2000s Was Pure Perfection

The SpongeBob SquarePants balloon makes its way down Broadway for its first appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 25, 2004.

Left: Miley Cyrus waves to onlookers in 2008. Right: The Rugrats balloon floats down Broadway in 2000.

A child smiles as a balloon passes by during the 2003 parade.

From left: Al Roker, Katie Couric, and Matt Lauer host the 2001 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Left: Hilary Duff rides on a float in 2003. Right: Sisters Caroline (above) and Jaqueline Broderick of Atlanta wave to the floats in 2004.

The Jonas Brothers — Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick Jonas — appear at the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Kaycie Gamblin (left), 6, and Brandon Gamblin, 11, of Hicksville, New York, watch as the Ronald McDonald balloon floats down Broadway in 2003.

Kermit the Frog makes his way down 7th Avenue on the Sesame Street float in 2009.

Actors Oscar Nunez and Kate Flannery watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008.

Left: Crowds watch as Blue from Blue's Clues leads the parade down Broadway in 2000. Right: Steve Irwin rides atop a gigantic crocodile float in 2004.

Little Bill makes his debut on Broadway in the 76th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002.

The Ask Jeeves balloon makes its way through Times Square in 2004.

Jordin Sparks at the 81st annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2007.

Kenny G entertains the crowd during the 75th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001.

Left: A Keith Haring balloon makes its way down the parade route in 2008. Right: Raven-Symoné waves to onlookers in 2004.

The Cheetah Girls pose for a photo in 2005.

Jimmy Neutron soars down Central Park West on his way toward Herald Square during the 76th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002.

A Buzz Lightyear balloon makes its way down 7th Avenue in 2009.

Santa Claus waves from his sleigh as he makes his way down Broadway in 2005.