Recently, Sylvia Beach was packing and getting ready for a momentous experience: marching in the 96th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

“We have about 5 million people there to watch the parade," she said. “And about 50 million watching on television, and as a performer, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform for that many people.”

This is Sylvia’s senior year at Tarpon Springs High School and she said she can't think of a better way of topping it off than with a march down Central Park West in New York City.

“It is truly a dream come true," she said. “One that started three years ago. It’s just finally coming to fruition. We’re super excited.”

Marching in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade isn’t new for the Tarpon Springs High School marching band — they did it once before in 2013.  

“Now, we did have a few siblings that marched before," said band director Kevin Ford. “Now their younger brothers and sisters are actually able to do it this year, so we’re excited about providing that opportunity for them.”

Brooklyn Ford was one of those siblings to remember is that first trip.

“I did get to go back then," she said, “It was the most exciting experience ever. As a little girl, it was just so cool to see Santa and all the floats go by twice the size of me, and it just really so special and I'm really grateful for the experience that I get to go with my team in my family again this year.” 

Sylvia said marching in the parade is a thrill for anyone who's ever been a part of a marching band, and a memory at that leaves participants truly thankful. 

“We’re very excited," she said. “I mean, it's obviously a little intimidating to be in front of millions of people in person — in front of the TV we don't even see, but we're having a lot of fun putting it all together and getting in the holiday spirit.”