The lead story in Time Out NY this week is how to get around Manhattan. I think it sia vailable on line.

klam,

It would be possible for one person to hold a spot for a while, but the crowd will grow quickly. I wouldn't count on too many trips away from your spot during the last hour of waiting.

This most recent time I was with my brother-in-law who felt compelled to view and photograph the parade since my sister and their daughters were marching for the first time (as balloon wranglers). He is disabled and so has trouble standing and could also be injured by pushing crowds. We found a great solution--we found a spot on the curb side of a telephone booth. There was just enough room for both of us to stand and we were protected from the crowd by the booth and could also lean against it for relief from standing.

Inside info: Columbus Circle has very weird wind conditions, so all the balloon wranglers are instructed to run as fast as they can once they get there to get across as quickly as possible. My family tells me that it is very difficult to run very fast while dragging Ronald McDonald behind you--and it seems to take forever.

Thanks all! Ellenem, thanks for the train info!

Thx a mint for the post-back - tips and info, ellenem!

Enjoy-la!