Crowds roared and church bells rang in lowerManhattan on Friday as the Yankees' World Series championshipcelebration revved up with a ticker-tape parade.

As the players on floats made their way through Wall Streettoward City Hall Plaza, a loud roar rose above Broadway andconfetti rained down on the parade.

Revelers arrived early Friday to get a good spot along the routethough many were forced to pack surrounding streets.

Gov. David Paterson and rapper Jay-Z were among those in theparade.

Bells were ringing at historic Trinity Church, but the roar ofthe crowds drowned out the sound.

Reggie Jackson said the Yankees' 27th title has him thinking "alot" about owner George Steinbrenner.

"I wish he was here," Jackson said.

George Steinbrenner has made few public appearances since hishealth deteriorated in recent years. He attended the first twogames against the Phillies, returning to the new Yankee Stadium forthe first time since opening day.

His son, Hal, took over the day-to-day operations of the teamlast November.

"A magical day," Hal Steinbrenner said. "New York just hasthe best fans in the world."

Lower Broadway is known as the Canyon of Heroes. Some 200ticker-tape parades have been held there, for heroes ranging fromastronauts to sports champions to five-star generals.