For many, a Thanksgiving tradition would be sitting at home, eating dinner with the family and maybe watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. For News 12 Meteorologist Mike Rizzo and his mother Francene, it's not just watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but being in it.

Mike Rizzo and his mom Francene re-lived some of their favorite costumes and moments walking in the parade with News 12.

"We have a blast. He makes me laugh all the way down because it's like we are the only ones in the parade - waving to these spectators and catching their attention," she says.

It was a tradition close to their hearts for 10 years, one that started back in 2008 when Francene worked alongside the director for the Macy's event and had one simple request.

"I said, 'I would love to be in the Macy's Day Parade.' And she said, 'Are you crazy?' I said, 'No it holds a special place in my heart thinking of my dad taking us up to the best parade ever.'"

Francene says she was honored to create similar but unique memories with her son by actually marching down 5th Avenue with all their different elaborate costumes.

"This is a unique tradition. I marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with my mom - that's the coolest thing," Mike says.

But the tradition came to an end after the 2018 parade when they couldn't get sponsored to go back in. However, some good news came to Mike and Francene when a News 12 viewer reached out saying they could get them back in the parade. So for the mother and son duo, the Thanksgiving tradition continues.

If you want to see Mike and his mom in the parade this year, check out our guide to everything you need to know before you head out!