Representatives from Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade surprised faculty and students at Franklin Regional High School yesterday when they showed up to make the official announcement of the school's acceptance to appear in the 2009 Macy's parade.

This will be the band's second visit to New York, having also performed in the 2003 Macy's parade.

"We are thrilled that the Franklin Regional Senior High School band will be returning to the Macy's Parade line-up in 2009," said Bill Schermerhorn, director of Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. "They have consistently exhibited incredible musical and marching abilities synonymous with the caliber of bands that perform on the street of New York City in front of millions of spectators."

Franklin Regional was chosen to be one of 11 bands that will march in the parade out of more than 200 applicants.

"It's going to be a great ride ... you're going to enjoy this," band director Kevin Pollock told current freshmen and sophomore students.