Thousands of people gathered on the streets of downtown Portland this morning as the Macy’s Holiday Parade winded its way through the streets of downtown Portland. The parade started at 8:45 a.m. at Lincoln High School. This year’s festivities filled the streets with dozens of costumed characters, amazing floats, inflatables, and marching bands who played various Christmas standards. Parents hoisted youngsters onto their shoulders for a better view and a better catch at candy tossed from cheerful Clowns.