The Alabama A&M marching band helped kick off the festivities at Thursday’s 97th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, bringing some Southern steps and swagger to one of the country’s premiere holiday events.

The Marching Maroon and White Band were the first of 11 marching bands to be featured in the parade, which also included the traditional massive balloons, musical performances and celebrity appearances.

The Aggies were chosen to perform at this year’s parade after a grueling application process that began two years ago.

Band director Carlton Wright told AL.com before the parade that being selected to perform in the parade was “huge” for the band and the school.

It has been reported this is the first time an HBCU marching band has started the parade.

“For our university, this is going to be huge,” Wright said. “A lot of people know about Alabama A&M, but worldwide and around the country a lot of people probably don’t know. But that morning, they will know who we are and where we’re from.”

The university said in a news release that in addition to marching in the parade, the A&M Dancing Divas will be featured in a special performance with the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

The parade was broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in all time zones. The parade will be replayed on those channels at 2 p.m.

Other acts slated to appear in the parade include Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Chicago, En Vogue, ENHYPEN, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park with the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith, and Manuel Turizo.