I can't remember the last parade I watched, not my thing. I have no issue, however, being inconvenienced for any parade of any type, especially patriotic or for a medical cause. Celebrate, donate, clean up and all the best.
A good friend of mine is an old car and truck nut and has quite a collection of vintage Army trucks, a fire truck and a few 40's Chevy trucks. He asked me to drive one of his trucks in a local Veterans Day parade a few years ago.
My area of Maryland has a lot of active and retired military so the parade is large...they basically close the town of Leonardtown for the afternoon.
I have to say that it is pretty amazing to see the look on peoples faces from the "ride", especially if you're throwing candy to the kids from the bed of the truck.
It is a hoot. I do it every year. Still can't go watch one. Weird.