We just got back and people started to stake out their spots over an hour ahead of time. I joined in and staked out a spot so my kids could see. My DH and I took turns going into the shops on Main St. while we waited.
Lining up a good 90 mins ahead of time at the patch of pavement I want to watch the parade from. So you can imagine how mad I was the time someone literally shoved themself infront of dd (maybe 4 at the time), cigarette in hand (DD and I are allergic to smoke)