Parade Pal: Parade Tracker

The live tracker shows moving icons for floats and bands along a map route, updating frequently enough to see where they are. You can use it to know when to head back to your spot, like when your niece's band is stuck a few blocks away.

Yes, you can save your location as a favorite and set an alert for when a particular float or performer is nearby. For example, the app buzzed when Santa's float was two blocks away, so you don't miss the action while grabbing snacks.

Leaving the app open on the map screen for extended periods can drain your battery because it constantly updates the live tracker. To save power, close the app when you don't need it or reduce screen brightness during long parades.

Parade Pal is designed for larger, official events, so smaller neighborhood parades might not be listed. If your parade isn't showing up, check the app's event submission process or stick to well-known community parades.

Unlike older parade apps that freeze or have wrong maps, Parade Pal loads quickly with a simple blue route line and minimal permissions. It's more reliable for live tracking, though it can be a battery hog and may miss smaller events that competitors cover.