Sunday, March 16, 2008

2008 New York St. Patrick's Day Parade: Route, Map, Viewing Sites, More

Monday, March 17th is the 2008 New York St. Patrick's Day Parade, and here is some good info on where the parade runs, where to watch it, what streets will be closed and when, and much more.

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. If you can't be there in person, you can follow the action on WNBC Channel 4 in New York, as well as a Webcast at the official Web site of the 2008 New York St. Patrick's Day Parade.

As always, the Parade runs north on Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street. It passes many New York landmarks along the way, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the American Irish Historical Society, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The parade ends at Fifth Avenue around 86th Street, and should finish between 4:30 and 5 p.m.

Where are the best viewing spots? The parade Web site suggests going north of 66th, which I think is good advice. The 40s and 50s are mobbed with people, including many tourists as well as people coming out from their workplaces for a look.
The Web site also suggests that the top steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (83rd Street) are good viewing spots.

There will be many street closings and frozen zones in Manhattan; check the NYC Department of Transportation's advisory for details.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and Slainte!

NOTE: Public drinking on the street is not tolerated during the parade; drinks will be confiscated (best case scenario) or you will be ticketed (not so good) or arrested (worst case scenario).

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