NEW YORK — The 82nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began winding its way through Manhattan streets under sunny skies today as thousands of marchers carried giant balloons past throngs of holiday revelers cheering them along the route.

Quincy Kersbergen of Wyckoff, N.J., found a prime viewing spot — perched on a police barricade near the beginning of the parade — and proclaimed herself a big fan of a giant dog balloon.

"This is just fantastic! So amazing to be here in person. I'm just so excited about today," said the 11-year-old Kersbergen.

New to the revelry this year are Buzz Lightyear, the square-jawed, action-figure astronaut from the 1995 film "Toy Story," Horton, the compassionate elephant of Dr. Seuss books, and a Smurf, a blue, gnome-like creature popularized by a TV show that began in 1981.

The Polynesian Dance Ensemble, a Hawai'i group, also was scheduled to march.

Old favorites like Kermit and the Energizer Bunny are also back.

About 3.5 million spectators were expected to view the parade in person, with 50 million more watching on television.

"Where else can you find a five-story Smurf? Pumpkins the size of RVs?" said John Piper, who directs the Macy's studio where the balloons and floats are made. "I mean, this is Wonderland come to life," he told NY1-TV while standing in front of a giant balloon yesterday as it was filled with helium.

Crews inflated 12 other giants balloons and 31 smaller ones as throngs of people watched. Each giant balloon requires more than 5,000 cubic feet of helium. Among the newcomers was a smaller balloon paying tribute to graffiti artist Keith Haring, who died in 1990. The parade also was to feature 28 floats, 10 marching bands and performances by Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, James Taylor and the Radio City Rockettes.