(ABC 6 News) – On Saturday, Macy’s newest Thanksgiving Day Parade character balloons were displayed during outdoor test flights in New Jersey as preparations for the beloved parade began.

The new balloons this year include Beagle Scout Snoopy, Kung Fu Panda’s Po, Pillsbury Doughboy, Leo, Monkey D. Luffy, Uncle Dan, and Blue Cat & Chugs.

This year the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be celebrating its 97th anniversary.

Since the character balloons’ introduction to the parade began in 1927, the balloons have become a highly anticipated element of the iconic holiday tradition every year. New characters from the entertainment and pop culture world are introduced each year.

At Macy’s Balloonfest, the Parade’s new balloons are test-flown outdoors under the direction of Macy’s flight management team.

This year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 8 a.m. on Nov. 24 and runs until 11 a.m.