Nov 25, 2009 9:23 am US/Eastern
Thanksgiving Day Parade To Go Off-Broadway
Changes To Famed Avenue To Force Procession Down New Route, Offer New Businesses Chance To Make Money
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Parade-goers watch floats pass by at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 27, 2008, in New York City.
Yana Paskova/Getty Images
For the first time in its more than 80-year history, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will not be on Broadway. It will take a somewhat altered route. It will also take a few extra turns.
When the parade's floats and balloons step off this week, the route will be a new one, making some people thrilled, and others disappointed.
"I don't like it, 'cause we losing our profit and business," restaurant manager Eva Mora said.
Mora, who runs a deli on Broadway, is not happy because her location is no longer on the route. It also means that office workers in prime Broadway locations will no longer have a view.
"I used to come here with my daughter to watch the parade. Now, we can't see it, so I'm going to stay at home and watch it on television," office worker Joan Adamo said.
The parade will now go from Central Park West to 59th, over to Seventh Avenue, down Seventh to 42nd; over to Sixth Avenue, then down Sixth to 34th.
The reason Broadway is being bypassed is because parts of Broadway have become closed to vehicular traffic, making it an impossible route for the floats.
That means that stores on Seventh Avenue will now be in the money.
That's what the Godiva chocolate store is expecting. And so is an eatery across the street.
Restaurant manager Adel Sera said she's ready for more traffic and "I hope I have more business."
At one Seventh Avenue office building, for the first time, many employees of a real estate rental firm will show up on Thursday, even though the office will be closed.
"A lot of people will come over here, get right up by windows and see if they can see down and watch it," business owner Jerry Weinstein said.
So, the needs of the city are teaching an old parade some news tricks.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and will last about three hours.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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