Highlights from the 65th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- With marching bands and decorated floats, the 65-Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade rolled through downtown Houston.

The crowds were festive and overflowing as they watched. Two hundred and fifty thousand people were expected to line the 20-city block route.

The Thanksgiving Day tradition has been around for more than 6 decades and Rob MacGregor of Katy has been to nearly half of them.

"This is my 30th parade. I started going with my neighbors and now I drag as many people as possible here," MacGregor said in between his cheers.

This year there were more floats, more high flying balloons and more entertainers. Cheerleaders, skaters, and bands gave the crowd quite a show.

"'ts a blessing to be able to perform and make people's Thanksgiving," Bryn Beausoleil of the Bellville Brahmadoras, a high kicking group, explained. This was her 4th year to perform.

Once again, the title sponsor was HEB. The theme this year celebrated "Houston on Parade" showcasing the city's finest in arts, entertainment and business.

"It's an amazing opportunity. This is our first year and we're having a great time," said Courtney Smith as she held her young son in her lap.

"I really love the dancing and the band. They're my favorites," said Adriana Arguello, also holding her son.

The parade couldn't be possible without volunteers. It takes hundreds. The Croomes family make volunteering a tradition.

"Since they were toddlers, we've been coming to the parade and we enjoy it and since they've gotten older, we've been giving back to the community," explained Utonda Croomes as she and her two college-aged sons suited up into their volunteer gear.