The 13th-century citadel provides the focal point of the town with its typical tower houses (Turkish kule).

UNESCO: Safeguard and restoration of selected monuments within the World Heritage site of the Old City of Gjirokaster | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Ms. Kule says she'll be thinking about what to do differently next year.

WSJ: On Thanksgiving, She Reigns in This Parade

The kule has a tall basement, a first floor for use in the cold season, and a second floor for the warm season.

UNESCO: Safeguard and restoration of selected monuments within the World Heritage site of the Old City of Gjirokaster | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Characteristic of the Balkan region, Gjirokastra contains a series of outstanding examples of kule, a type of building which crystallized in the 17th century.

UNESCO: Safeguard and restoration of selected monuments within the World Heritage site of the Old City of Gjirokaster | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

For her parade costume, Ms. Kule chose a bowler hat in a purple velvet that matches a velvet frock-like coat custom-made by New York designer Dara Lamb.

WSJ: On Thanksgiving, She Reigns in This Parade

Kule insists that B. is cuter than he is dark.

FORBES: The Woman Behind The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

On a recent Saturday morning at Lincoln Center, Ms. Kule oversaw the training of 800 Macy's employees and their friends and family members who were learning how to be clowns for the parade.

WSJ: On Thanksgiving, She Reigns in This Parade