Pump up the volume

For 11 straight years BOC has provided helium to inflate the balloons that soar over the streets of New York City in celebration of America's roots. This is Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Without the 400,000 cubic feet of helium that is trucked to New York from Otis, Kan. – enough to fill 500,000, 12-inch party balloons – the giant parade balloons would not stand tall to capture the spirit of the holiday.

Last time, 14 giant helium balloons, 37 intermediate and novelty-sized balloons, 27 fabulous floats, 10 marching bands, one thousand clowns and scores of large groups made the annual 2.5 mile trek down the streets of New York City on parade day.

The parade is seen by more than 50 million TV viewers across the country and more than 2.5 million spectators line the streets of New York City each year. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event that marks the official start of the holiday season.

"Helium is the element that makes our signature giant character balloons come to life each and every year," said Robin Hall, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "BOC truly understands our specific and sometimes esoteric needs, and perhaps, most importantly, they are at 110 per cent on the reliability scale."