Inspired by the book “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, second grade students created their own parade balloons based on favorite cartoon, storybook, comic, videogame or holiday-inspired characters. The second-graders then marched through the halls of Watervliet Elementary School in their own parade the day before Thanksgiving break – receiving cheers and high fives from other students, teachers and staff along the way.

“Balloons Over Broadway” tells the story of Tony Sarg, the original creator of the giant helium balloons featured in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The most popular balloons among the second-grade crowd appeared to be Pikachu, a Pokemon mascot; and Stitch, a lead character from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch.