Circus on Thanksgiving in NYC?

[rachelh]

We usually try and do something fun with the kids Thanksgiving morning. In the past, we have done the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade or Dinsey On Ice. I saw that the Big Apple Circus is having a show in Lincoln Center/NYC on Thanksgiving and was thinking about doing that this year but in the back of my mind I keep thinking about if this is a bad idea - Thanksgiving in the City, tons of people in the streets for the parade, etc. And now they came out with the warning about traveling...WWYD?

[lizzywednesday]

Go & have fun!

Yes, the State Department issued the travel advisory, but I believe that's out of a sense of EXTREME caution and CYA. If they didn't issue an alert, then something happened, and they'd taken no steps to warn people, can you imagine the scene in the press?

Anyway, NYC usually ups the security in and around the Parade area. Lincoln Center is uptown from Macy's, though near Columbus Circle which is the step-off of the parade, right? It will be CRAWLING with security and NYPD. Just bear in mind the "if you see something, say something" motto.

Heck, I have family members (step-cousins) who are going to be among the balloon wranglers for the Snoopy balloon.

[MMMommy]

If the fear/question lingers in the back of your mind, will you be relaxed enough to enjoy the event the entire time? Or will you secretly be worrying throughout the event, which makes it not enjoyable?

I think it is fine to go. However, if you will be nervous and worrying the entire time, then no, I would not go.

[Twoboos]

I think what MMMommy said is right - if you can go and not be too worried, go and have fun!

We are going for the weekend. I am not sure if it's the right thing, I'm definitely uneasy. I think the travel advisory is for international travel, although of course still be aware while in busy areas of the US.

I have to tell myself it will be fine. No one actually announces where/when they're going to attack.

Good luck with your decision. Enjoy whatever you do!

ETA: I posted a similar question about NYC at Thanksgiving, the majority said to go.

[Corie]

Heck, I have family members (step-cousins) who are going to be among the balloon wranglers for the Snoopy balloon.

I would love to do that one year!!! How do you get to be a balloon wrangler?

[lizzywednesday]

I would love to do that one year!!! How do you get to be a balloon wrangler?

You have to know people. Apparently Cousin Steve and Cindy do!

I found an article from the NY Daily News from 2013 that describes the process a little bit.

[Corie]

You have to know people. Apparently Cousin Steve and Cindy do!

I found an article from the NY Daily News from 2013 that describes the process a little bit.

That is so awesome!!

[candaceb]

I'm lying in bed in a Manhattan hotel room at the moment. We went to see the balloons being inflated this afternoon and there were cops and counterterrorism officials everywhere. I felt safe and had no issues getting around the city today. I would go to the circus and not worry about it.

[rachelh]

Thank you all! We are going!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I would love to do that one year!!! How do you get to be a balloon wrangler?

They had a story on NPR the other day about the balloon training program in Detroit, for their big Thanksgiving day parade.