Another Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2011 viewing question
 

My neice's marching band will be in the Thanksgiving Parade this year. My sister, BIL and nephew are going along with the group. The group is indeed staying in NJ and being bussed in, with the parents being dropped off at 50th and Broadway at 6 am. Where would be a good place for them to watch the parade at based on their drop-off location?

BTW, the marching band kids get their wake-up call at 1:45 AM to get ready to leave for staging. How crazy is that???

Looking at the map, I'm guessing that they should just head straight over to 7th Ave. They have a pre-paid breakfast somewhere in the vicinity of 50th and Broadway so I think they are doing that first. Any additonal suggestions would be very welcome!

How about 50th/6th Avenue (I believe the parade now turns on 59th and goes over to 6th Avenue and then down instead of going down Broadway)? Every street along the parade route is going to be packed, but by arriving so early, the parents should have their pick of spots. Do check the route, but they can just follow the crowds.

Yes, if the parade goes down 7th, then they definitely head there instead of 6th. I couldn't remember the route since it's changed.

Columbus Circle, the southwest corner of Central Park, is where the parade turns. I think that's a great spot to be. I'd head to the Time Warner building there, get some coffee & stake out a spot near there. There are also good bathrooms in the TW building & they might even be able to watch a bit from inside on the restaurant level.

Thanks so much for the information! I will pass it along. They leave on Monday for a totally packed 4 days and are really excited. I hope NBC shows their marching band!

If they are right before or behind a major float there is a good chance they will be shown - esp if their dance troup has a very complicated program (that's what the cameras really like).

I don't know how 'complicated' as it's a high school marching band! :) I'm so excited for them and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I see them.

They are much more likely to be shown on TV if the dance troup - not the band bu tthe accompanying dance troup (I assume 50/60 kids or s0 - have a production number with lots of pizzaz).

Just a post-parade check in and thanks for all of the comments:
They watched the parade from 7th Ave and W 48th and had a very good view, judging by the pictures that they texted. NBC showed their band's performance in front of Macy's! The color guard members that do the rifles - girls in purple dresses and the grinch - were zoomed in on for their performance while the band played. We think we caught a teeny glimpse of my neice before the cameras moved on to the next group.

They had a jam-packed and great visit to NYC. There were rave reviews of 'The Lion King.' I'm sure I'll get all of the low-down tomorrow.