HOUSTON — Tens of thousands of people lined the concrete canyons of downtown Houston Thursday morning for the 69th annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The huge crowd enjoyed a parade of colorful floats, giant balloons, marching bands and entertainers.
PHOTOS: Celebrating Houston's rich diversity at H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
It’s one of Houston’s favorite Turkey Day traditions.
This year’s parade featured two superstars as grand marshals, Houston Astro Jose Altuve and Houston Rocket James Harden.
Photos: Harden & Altuve open the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Of course, Santa Claus and Tom Turkey made an appearance, along with the Budweiser Clydesdales, Apache Belles, country music star Will Carter and soul singer Carley Nunn.
From the crowd to the performers to the cultural groups in colorful costumes, the 2018 H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade was a beautiful display of Houston's diversity.
PHOTOS: Giant balloons, floats at H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade, hosted by KHOU 11 News anchors Len Cannon and Mia Gradney, was broadcast on KHOU 11 in Houston and several other cities across the country.
The weather cooperated with the rain moving out a few hours before the parade started.
In 2016, Houston’s H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade was named among the 10 Best holiday parades in the country by USA Today readers.
At number three, Houston's annual event even topped the big Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York!
