Morning came early today as Evan and I caught an express train to NYC for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Last year we braved the parade in frigid temperatures and rain, so we were looking forward to today’s forecast of sun and sixty degrees. Apparently, we weren’t alone. The sun turned out along with one of the largest crowds in parade history.

We made it to the frontlines by 8:15am, and secured a spot about 10 people from the front. I’ve heard rumors that Thanksgiving parade crowds get into the holiday spirit and let children move to the front. That may be true in parts of the city, but not so at 54th and Broadway where Evan’s attempt to get to the front of the crowd was quickly rebuffed. Meanwhile, I had to defend our 3 feet of real estate with a vengeance. Evan’s view of Shrek, Snoopy and the floats came atop my shoulders where all his 45lbs. were perched for two hours. Chiropractic adjustment is in my immediate future.

Following the parade we meandered through the city making stops at the Empire State Building and Times Square (where we again caught a glimpse of Santa and the tail end of the parade as it moved through). It was a bit surreal walking down the middle of a deserted 7th Avenue closed to traffic. At 52nd a couple of dads were playing football in the middle of the barricaded street with their kids. At 41st a group of street performers attracted a large crowd in the middle of what is normally a busy thoroughfare. On our way back to the train station we took a jaunt through Herald Square where Evan climbed on the famed parade bleachers in front of Macy’s while parade crews tore down equipment all around. Despite having to jockey for position during the parade, it was a great day in the city.