Canyon of Heroes

So glad I have had the chance to experience a few ticker tape parades down the Canyon of Heroes. For many it’s a once in a lifetime thing and one that everyone should take in if the opportunity arises. It’s an historic stretch of streets (Broadway from Battery Park to Chambers Street) that has played host to many teams celebrating on floats and in classic cars, to World War heroes, to astronauts, to famous world dignitaries and others, in front of thousands and millions of cheering fans over the decades. To be a part of that is something you never forget.
If and when your team wins a championship in NYC be sure to take the day off when a parade is planned, call in sick, whatever, and get down there super early to score a great viewing spot to cheer your team on and get doused in paper and confetti.

A ticker-​tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes is something everyone should experience. If you’re lucky enough to have your team win a championship in NYC, you should definitely clear your calendar on parade day!
My advice: come early, and dress in layers. Why don’t any of our teams win championships in the summer?! For the New York Football Giants Super Bowl parade, I dragged myself down to the parade route hours before it started. Crazy, I know, but I wasn’t the only one. With 2 hours before parade time, the crowd was already several people deep. And even with thousands of people, it gets COLD by Battery Park! I wore seven layers. SEVEN. And I was still chilly. So be prepared.
But ticker tape parades are once-​in-​a-​lifetime experiences. I was lucky enough to attend two: 2009 NY Yankees & 2012 NY Giants. Wear your favorite jersey, bring a camera, & don’t forget to call in sick!

Gone are the days of actual ticker-​tape but not the amazing parades which dawn these streets (Broadway from Battery Park to Chambers Street).
I’ve taken in a few of them in my time and with the addition of a sidewalk-​inserts commemorating each parade you can be reminded of the ones which you’ve personally attended as well as learning of others which took place.
I recall the one the Mets had, the three for the Giants, the many celebrating the Yankees and even when Nelson Mandela came to town.
Be ready to cheer for the heroes as they are waving to you from their floats driven up the avenue but get there early cause you will be joined by 2 — 3 million other people trying to get a front row view up and down the canyon (of skyscrapers).

I know it’s a bit awkward (1) Adding this listing and (2) reviewing the Canyon of Heroes, but I feel it should be done. Unless you work in the area, come strictly for ticker tape parades (or whatever we deem them today – understandably but still alarmingly seemed to be more bank statements than anything for the Yankees 2009 WC parade). Though I’m sure it’s 10x more relaxing when people don’t line the streets celebrating NY victories, that’s not what this strip is all about. Come early, dress warm, and shut down voluntary bodily functions until the ceremonies conclude.
5.11 update: Certainly a different animal w/​o financial statements being hurled out the windows in celebration.