If you’re anything like me, you love watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year. The parade has been happening since 1924, only taking a brief hiatus between 1942 and 1944 because of World War II.

We’ve found some powerful photos that show how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has changed over the years.

The first parade happened in 1924, when it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade. Elephants took part in this parade in New York City!

In the 1930s, Walt Disney himself helped to design the first Mickey Mouse balloon. These balloons have since become staples of the parade!

The Radio City Rockettes first joined the parade in 1957, and they have been taking part in it ever since.

Kermit the Frog joined the parade in 1977!

Sesame Street got in on the fun in 1980.

In 1984, Raggedy Ann waved to bystanders from far above!

In 1985, there was a Betty Boop balloon that was 67 feet tall and held over 15,000 cubic feet of helium.

Though it was cold on the day of the parade in 1989, around 1.8 million people attended it.

Spiderman made his parade debut in 1991.

In 1995, a very big Beethoven was in the parade, and when we say big, we mean BIG!

In 1997, winds were blowing up to 50 miles per hour, causing 17 balloons to rip and deflate.

In 2001, New York was still struggling to deal with the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

It rained on the parade in 2006, which made Big Bird very sad.

It was very cold in 2013, but the parade went on as planned anyway!

Last year, a red power ranger watched over the parade.

For many, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have been a longstanding tradition and it continues to attract millions of viewers every year with its festive floats, gargantuan helium balloons, marching bands and performances. Will you be watching it this year? Let us know in the comment section.