DECEMBER 9, 2008 --

The Macy's Parade is one place where "inflation" is not a bad word.

Watching the balloons come to life is almost as popular as the parade. LPR thinks it would be fair to say that the balloon inflation attracts thousands of people and has, for many, become part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade experience.

Inflation begins at 77th Street and 81st Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, the afternoon before Thanksgiving and continues into the the dark of night, which this time of year arrives in Manhattan at about 4.30 p.m.

The inflation photos posted here show part of the throng while it is still daylight, the energizer bunny getting pumped up -- and then standing tall, one of the young women handing out balloons to the inflation-watchers, and part of the crowd after dark.

The Energizer Bunny coming to life pre-parade …

… and standing tall.

When inflation is completed, the balloons are covered with netting and encouraged to go to sleep until Thanksgiving morning.

LPR hears that inflation can be exhausting for the balloons. Hmm. The other form of inflation is also exhausting -- and may tend to keep people awake at night.