(November 2000) This main event puts our ARES group to the ultimate test each year. All resources, human and otherwise, need to be orchestrated into a well timed symphony. There will always be an out of tune or broken instrument during play, yet the overall performance always proceeds and usually ends in a crescendo of applause. Well, after standing too close to the cannon, I kind of heard that applause for the remainder of the morning anyway.
Click on thumbnails for larger photos courtesy of Joe, N2TEE.
Charles, N2NOV, works on securing the fiberglass mast to the fence while Bill, N2BGR, keeps the ladder planted to the ground. Steve, KA2VAU, our Net Control for the entire event, helps keep the mast steady while sharing the finer points of hose clamp history with Charles. To say the least, you should save your kilts for the dance party and not wear them while working on high structures. The guys and gals working the event will thank you for it. (Safety 101)
Waiting for the sun to rise was not an option during this morning event.
The last few lucky souls headed west bound who managed to cross the Verrazano Bridge before complete closure.
The use of buses comes in handy when corralling large crowds and keeping stray vehicles at bay. It may be a bit of overkill, yet they were the best moveable barriers imaginable.
Time to get the plaza ready for the start of the race and bring in the heavy artillery courtesey of the U.S. Army.
Charles, N2NOV, and Vic, of Team Event Management Group, surveying the scene from a central elevated position. 
New York's Bravest, showing us an alternate method to surveying the scene, and how it can be done slightly better. Maybe if I wear my red marine foul weather gear, they'll loan me a hat and let me take a few pictures from up yonder next year.Hey, it never hurts to ask!
These were definitely the best seats in the house for watching the start of the race, yet I felt being at ground level with all the runners streaming past couldn't be beat.