The rain couldn't stop the downtown Houston H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Safety was top of mind for the 73rd Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Houston.

Organizers paid close attention to approaching storms and rain. They said the show would go on unless there was lightning within 10 miles of downtown -- and go on it did!

FULL FORECAST: ABC13 Weather Alert Days: Flash flooding, severe storms possible Thanksgiving and Friday

Performers arrived in downtown Houston early to start practicing. The parade kicked off at 9 a.m.

The annual celebration featured elaborate floats, marching bands, high-flying balloons and more!

The Grand Marshal for 2022 was none other than rapper 50 Cent. The city also honored Baylor College of Medicine Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Peter Hotez.