Often each float is its own moving stage with it's own PA system. As it passes by you can hear the float. There will be another fixed system all along the route for announcements. The television feed will often be mixed from mics picking up all the ambient sound including the moving stages with a few feeds being send from the floats.
I have set up floats with self contained PA systems and radio feeds to send the main vocal and backing mix to the broadcast team.
A very long time ago I did a moving stage where it was all on hard lines. 300m copper core and mains power being spooled up as we went along the route. We had a team of people to handle the core. Went very well but I wouldn't recommend unless it's properly rehearsed.
Not specifically thanksgiving parade, but new years eve https://youtu.be/4A2Tvlevqa0
Often each float is its own moving stage with it's own PA system. As it passes by you can hear the float. There will be another fixed system all along the route for announcements. The television feed will often be mixed from mics picking up all the ambient sound including the moving stages with a few feeds being send from the floats. I have set up floats with self contained PA systems and radio feeds to send the main vocal and backing mix to the broadcast team. A very long time ago I did a moving stage where it was all on hard lines. 300m copper core and mains power being spooled up as we went along the route. We had a team of people to handle the core. Went very well but I wouldn't recommend unless it's properly rehearsed.