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Millions of New Yorkers and tourists lined the sunny city streets for the 86th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade—the city’s largest event in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. “As it has during turbulent times in our history, we hope the Macy’s Parade serves as a beacon of hope for all those who tune in and gather with friends and family to give thanks this season, as they continue to heal from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” the parade’s executive producer, Amy Kule, said in a statement. Macy’s also provided 5,000 seats for Sandy’s victims, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the city will be donating 26,500 Thanksgiving meals to those affected by the storm. And scandal-plagued Elmo even made an appearance, albeit with a different puppeteer.