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4 photos from different parts of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan, NY
Scenes of the parade from YAI's viewing section.

After a fully remote Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020, thousands lined the streets of Manhattan to view this year’s festivities. Centered in a prime location right on 58th Street and 6th Avenue, more than 600 people joined YAI’s accessible section, organized by Ulli Fenninger, Senior Program Supervisor of YAI Arts and Culture.  

“Everyone was happy to be out there, it was really nice,” Fenninger said.    

YAI’s section was open to people with I/DD, physical disabilities, veterans, and family members of currently deployed military personnel. According to Fenninger, the special reservation-only area--blocked off from the main crowd--is crucial for many to enjoy the parade.  

“It’s important for people to feel like they’re part of the community but in a safer environment," she said. “We have enough room for people with autism to have space and people in wheelchairs can easily get to the front. Last year it didn’t happen at all, so people were really grateful to be outside.”