Locals in Macy’s parade today

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 28, 2013

Halee Burkardt and Ansley Hall pose after rehearsal Wednesday.

Halee Burkardt and Ansley Hall pose after rehearsal Wednesday.

During today’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, viewers might just recognize two faces right between the “M” and the “A” as Andalusia’s own Halle Burkardt and Ansley Hall.

The two Andalusia Ballet members were selected for the honor during a summer dance camp at Auburn, according to Burkardt’s mother, Shan.

“We are all just so excited,” she said as the two girls were in the middle of dress rehearsal Wednesday. “When they were selected, I was talking to Ansley’s mom, Leigh, and we said, ‘Let’s do it. Why not?’”

Hall and the two dancers arrived in New York on Saturday. Over the last four days, the trio has enjoyed the sites – including Times Square – seen the Broadway shows, and of course, did a little shopping.

Some 500 girls from all parts of the country are participating in the day’s show. Burkardt and Hall can be spotted on the fourth row between the “M” and “A” as dancers spell out “Macy’s” with their poms. This year’s parade will begin at 10 a.m. locally.

In its 87th year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will feature 16 inflatable characters – if not grounded by wind – and hundreds of walkers. Every year, this tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people in New York and 50 million people at-home. Performers this year include Kellie Pickler, Ariana Grande, Austin Mahone, Debby Ryan, Gavin Degraw, Florida-Georgia Line and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.