Macy's new Thanksgiving balloons: Hello, Kitty!

Thanksgiving Turkey float
The Thanksgiving Turkey float during the 85th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Nov. 24, 2011. New balloons expected at this year's parade include Hello, Kitty!, Papa Smurf and Elf on the Shelf.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hello, Kitty! Macy's is about to introduce the newest balloons for its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, and the popular Japanese cat character is among them.

Also making an entrance this year are Papa Smurf and Elf on the Shelf.

Macy's was giving all three giant balloons a test drive Saturday morning in New Jersey. The event was closed to the public.

This year will mark the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Last year's parade featured more than 40 balloon creations, 27 floats, 800 clowns and 1,600 cheerleaders. All the Macy's balloons undergo testing for flight patterns, aerodynamics, buoyancy and lift so they can safely navigate the parade route.

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