The spotlight may be on New York when it comes to the Thanksgiving Day Parade but what many people don’t know is that the Macy’s Parade Studio is actually located in New Jersey.

Over in Moonachie, 30 people have spent the past 10 months working day and night in order to make this year's floats.

(Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
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The team is made up of carpenters, electricians, animators, painters and who devote countless hours in order to make each Thanksgiving Parade better than the next.

The studio announced several new floats this coming year including “Slumberland,” Baby Shark, the return of Toys “R” Us, Wonderbread’s Wondership, and another float to honor Native Americans.

The floats are all stored in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade studio and the floats are individually folded and wrapped before being put on a bus to New York City for the parade.

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
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Once the parade ends it takes 8-10 hours to pack up meaning you need quite some dedication in order to complete a job like this.

And of course, all of these floats are tested out before the big show and many were displayed at the recent Balloonfest event at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford NJ.

Several new balloons were tested out at this event including Fox Sports’ Striker the U.S. Soccer Star Balloonicle.

Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images
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If you just asked yourself what a Balloonicle is, it's basically a hybrid inflatable with a vehicle inside.

The trial run was extremely successful, however, so if you’re getting ready to view the Macy’s Parade look out for these new and impressive floats.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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