(Thursday, November 27, 1924, 9:00 a.m. EST) — In New York City, the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held today as employees marched to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street dressed in vibrant costumes.

There were floats, professional bands and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo.

With an audience of over a quarter of a million people, the parade was such a success that Macy’s declared it would become an annual event.

Video: 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 85th Anniversary Special (11/24/2011)'