1. Dress in layers: Sometimes you will get hot from the stopping and going with the bucket of candy, but at the end of the fall night, you will want a sweatshirt.

2. Ration the Candy: Remember that you don't want to jip the little girl with the big brown eyes at the end. (Sadly all the planning in the world won't work if the other staff are too overzealous with the candy tossing...hm...maybe hiding some under a car seat would be a good idea).

3. Parades rarely start on time...knowing this ahead of time will prevent much frustration.

4. Smile, even at the drunk guy with the middle finger.

5. Every once in a while stop and take a look around at the people. It's a great opportunity to see the beauty in diversity...even in small a town

Attendee

1. Watch out for the inebriated Mummers

2. Stand by the cute little ones, or better yet, borrow a
friends child for the evening if you are looking for some candy.

3. Watch out for the guys with the cart full of balloons and neon devices.

4. Go a little over the edge and have some fun...sway to the music, wave to the paraders, do the chicken dance...c'mon, it's a parade for goodness sakes.

do bring sunblock

do bring water

do expect 400,000 people

do expect outrageous costumes and characters

don't expect to find parking

do take the train or a cab or walk to and from the parade

do cheer for the floats

do plan on politicians being the first dozen floats
do cheer for them anyway

don't expect any fights

do take pictures (and please send them to us!)

do bring a mobile phone if you plan on meeting people

do talk with the people around you - everyone is friendly that day

do try to get invited to an after-party
AND DO NOT expect to be bored