Advice for NOOBs on Parade?

Hey folks,
For those of you who have attended before, any advice for folks who have never been to a parade? Seems a pity to miss out with this one so close, but I got questions!
Is it an all or nothing event, ie should we plan for the whole week, or can we cherry-pick days/events within parade and only travel for those?
What's the deal with registration? Pay a reg fee, then find lodging, then pay fees to sign up for events within parade?
Is there a schedule of events so we can plan?
What are the "must do" events?
If we're really only interested in the driving events, is there a path for just those?
I'm sure there are lots of other questions that others might have as well. Hoping past participants can share some insider knowledge!
For those of you who have attended before, any advice for folks who have never been to a parade? Seems a pity to miss out with this one so close, but I got questions!
Is it an all or nothing event, ie should we plan for the whole week, or can we cherry-pick days/events within parade and only travel for those?
What's the deal with registration? Pay a reg fee, then find lodging, then pay fees to sign up for events within parade?
Is there a schedule of events so we can plan?
What are the "must do" events?
If we're really only interested in the driving events, is there a path for just those?
I'm sure there are lots of other questions that others might have as well. Hoping past participants can share some insider knowledge!