I was kind of shocked at crowds this weekend. No, I lie, I wasn't because it's been more packed than usual thanks, I think, to MSEP, but nonetheless...
Some local districts (most if I can remember) do not have this week off. Most only have 2/20 for President's Day. But, there will be people traveling from districts that do the entire week, which btw, as a teacher and a parent, I am super jealous of. It won't be as packed as a summer day and it shouldn't be as bad on Wednesday or Thursday, but in general, it will be crowded. Get there early. Get a lot done in the morning. Around 2, crowds tend to be the worst. We usually take that time to leave if we're on a day-trip or go to the hotel to rest for a bit. Then go back around 4, grab some dinner, and start looking for a spot for the parade/fireworks if that's your kind of thing. If you aren't into the nighttime entertainment, just be prepared to move like fish swimming in a current all in the same direction and know that you might not be able to get to where you want to go. I think my motto these days is "be flexible" because honestly, it's just how things are now.