So here’s the truth: The exact start time doesn’t matter as much as showing up. You’ll be there, with your chair, your snacks, and maybe a stranger’s dog licking your hand. The parade is a vibration, not a clock. It’s the sound of a tuba playing a slightly wrong note, the sight of a kid catching a bead, and the feeling of the sun baking your shoulders while you cheer for a fire truck.
So what time does the parade start today? It starts when you smile. It starts when you decide to be present, to be silly, to wave at a guy in a banana costume like he’s a long-lost friend. The official time is just a suggestion. The real magic? That starts the moment you stop checking your watch and start living in the parade. Now go. Go enjoy the confetti. You’ve earned it.