SHERBURNE – “I just love parades,” said Sherburne-Earlville high school senior Meaghan Weinell, expounding her excitement to return to one of the country’s largest and long-standing parades once again.

Come November, Weinell will make her way from cowtown Sherburne to midtown Manhattan to play alongside America’s elite young musicians during the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With saxophone in hand, she’ll take her place in the lineup of only 250 students from all over the country who have been selected to play as part of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band before trekking nearly three miles through the heart of New York City in front of an audience of millions.

As rare an opportunity as this is, Weinell has done it before. This marks her second consecutive year chosen to participate with some of the country’s best and youngest musical talent in one of most beloved annual parades.

“At least I know what to expect this year,” she added. “It’s still a little nerve-racking but I’m excited. I was excited to do it last year and I’m just as excited to do it again this year.”

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade draws 3.5 million spectators to watch from the sidelines each year, and another 50 who watch the live televised event from home. But even with so many eyes on her, Weinell is keeping a level head. “My biggest worry is messing up the choreography,” admitted the eight-year marching band veteran. “I didn’t mess it up last year, but I’m still nervous about it.”