Start blowing up the giant Caveman balloon.

The Grants Pass High Marching Band will play in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second time this decade, it was announced this morning at the high school.

The band, which performed in the 2010 parade, was chosen for the 2018 parade, set for Nov. 22 in New York City.

GPHS is one of 10 marching bands selected out of 100 applicants to appear in the 92nd edition of the annual holiday spectacle, according to Macy’s. The parade is known for its distinctive giant balloon characters, and the millions of fans who watch in person and on television.

Band director Jason Garcia said seventh and eighth grade band members from both North and South middle schools were bused to a celebration this morning at GPHS, joining all the high school band members for the announcement.

Wesley Whatley, creative director for the parade, was in attendance, Garcia said.

“He said a special thank you to the juniors and seniors who made this possible,” Garcia said.

“For a band this size, Grants Pass delivers an incredibly powerful punch of energy on the marching field,” Whatley said in a press release from Macy’s. “Macy’s is proud to welcome back the Grants Pass High Marching Band.”

Garcia said it’s about the highest honor for any band.

“Excitement is not a strong enough word to express how we feel about this opportunity,” Garcia said. “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is the biggest show for a high school band program. I can’t think of a better way to represent our band, school and community for all of their hard work and support throughout the years.”

The band will spend the next 18 months planning for the appearance, with rehearsals and fundraising.

The parade draws more than 3 million spectators along the streets of New York City, covering two miles and 8,000 participants.