FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. — Thursday morning, millions of people lined up to watch the 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The parade included more than two dozen floats, marching bands from across the country and more than 8,000 other participants.
Among those performing, were 15 members of the Liberty High School Cheer Team from Bealeton, Virginia.
Coach Alicia Schrank told WUSA9 she applied last November right after Thanksgiving, but never told the girls.
"I forgot that I had submitted the audition tape. One day we got an email, 'Congratulations you're gonna be cheering in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade'," said Schrank.
The team was even more surprised as word quickly spread.
"She was like we're going to the Macy's Day Parade and I was like what?," said Kaylen Ulloa.
But, the surprises didn't end there.
"When we got here Saturday they had their first rehearsal and our team walked in and they were like we're from Liberty and they were like oh great the stunt team is here. We were like wait what?," said Coach Katie Waddle.
She says the team came running up to their hotel rooms and told the coaches that they'd be not only dancing but also performing stunts.
"That was really exciting. I think that was when we realized like oh my God this is gonna be crazy," said Waddle.
"Just to see all the people on the street and the little kids who are excited to see you," was a highlight for Emma Hull.
Ulloa agreed, telling WUSA9, "watching the kids from the hotel windows because they're like looking down waving and once you look up and wave at them they're like so excited."
The team says they had a blast and are beyond grateful to their community who donated money to help them make the trip.
"We were able to fundraise almost all of it, so you know we wouldn't have been able to do that without the people from Fauquier County, Prince William County, Northern Virginia," said Waddle.
"We wouldn't be here without the support of our community," added Schrank.