NEW YORK, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- NBC and Macy's have agreed to a contract extension that will keep the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC through 2010, the network announced Wednesday.
The deal also keeps the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC through 2010. Robin Hall, a Macy's vice president in charge of annual events, noted the long-running relationship between the network and the department store chain.
"NBC's coverage of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which spans well over half-a-century, has become part of parade tradition and has helped define this unique event to many generations of American families," said Hall.
Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Al Roker of the "Today" show will once again appear on the network's coverage of the parade this year -- the 78th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade will feature appearances by stars of NBC shows including Kelsey Grammer ("A Christmas Carol") and Jimmy Smits ("The West Wing").
New balloons this year include SpongeBob SquarePants and Red and Yellow M&M's.
