Neil Diamond, Daniel Radcliffe, Mary J. Blige Among Performers At 85th Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Smurf float moves down Seventh Avenue behind a marching band heading to Times Square during the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade on November 25, 2010. (credit: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) Over 8,000 participants will march in the 85th annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade when it returns to New York City Thursday. The performance lineup promises big names from Broadway and a little bit of twang.

More: The 6 Best Spots To View The Thanksgiving Day Parade

Mary J. Blige, Cobra Starship, Neil Diamond, Cee Lo Green, Avril Lavigne, Scotty McCreery, Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of Broadways How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be among the celebrity guest.

Country music singer-songwriter Rodney Atkins (credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMI)

Also present will be two big names from the country music genre.

American Idol winner and new country superstar Scotty McCreery will be performing at the parade for the first time.

Joining him will be platinum-selling artist Rodney Atkins.

Originally from Tennessee, the singer-songwriter has said he is already preparing for the climate change.

Im looking forward to it, Atkins said. I am gonna have to put on my deer hunting gear to stay warm.

Atkins has already performed in New York City once this month. He made a stop in the East Village for the Country Music Songwriters Series at the newly renovated Joes Pub.

The parade takes place on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. For the latest coverage, stay with CBSNewYork.com and 1010 WINS, the official radio station of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.