NEW YORK – On Wednesday, the streets of New York City were a hub of activity as crews prepared for the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by inflating the massive character balloons that will soar above the city.

Set to begin Thursday morning, the parade promises a vibrant display featuring dozens of towering balloons, elaborate floats, talented entertainers, and enthusiastic marching bands, all making their way through the heart of the city.

Approximately 100 balloon specialists and volunteers devoted their time on Wednesday to bringing these characters to life. According to Kathleen Wright, who heads production operations at Macy’s Studios, the entire inflation process spans about eight hours.

While the task is methodical, it draws eager onlookers like Ethan Otieno, who found the spectacle captivating.

“It’s really fascinating to watch the balloons being inflated and to try to guess which characters they are,” said Otieno, a visitor from Texas, enjoying the experience with his family.

Among the parade’s many attractions, Otieno has a clear favorite: Smokey Bear.

The parade is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. EST, rain or shine. It runs from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street.

Officials are watching the weather, since the forecast as of Wednesday evening calls for a somewhat gusty day. For safety reasons, New York City law prohibits Macy’s from flying the full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or wind gusts are over 35 mph (56 kph). Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971, but they also sometimes have soared lower than usual because of wind.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference that authorities would decide Thursday morning whether any balloon adjustments are needed.

New balloons in this year’s lineup include Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.”

“It’s a lot of those really nostalgic and familiar characters, everybody’s favorites,” Wright said. There are also new balloons derived from characters in this year’s Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.”

New floats this year include a Pop Mart entry, with the ubiquitous figure Labubu, as well as Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko.

A star-studded lineup of performers — including Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of “KPop Demon Hunters” — will be sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, Broadway cast members and others. As is traditional, the Radio City Rockettes are expected.

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Associated Press writer Jennifer Peltz contributed.