Yep, I confess I've not bothered with the parade for several years now. Too much hassle. I was thinking of doing it this year as my son and his girlfriend haven't done it and I guess you need to experience it, at least once. But getting to it and out again isn't always easy - and yes, it is a long drawn out affair. I'd rather be sitting in a nice restaurant having a good meal with my pals....
Funnily enough, the one thing I do mourn is the parade along the start finish straight of all the drivers on the back of open cars shortly before the race. That I used to love. But long gone now...