Last few years we went to Meredith. I've tried two tactics early or late.
Early means get there at 6-7PM and anchor up front. This works well if you have the people and boat to keep happy for 3 plus hours. After the show, slowly get ready and leave you will be at the back of the pack. Not a bad place to be. If you try this bring bug spray on top of the regular stuff.
We've abandoned early because we just don't have the ability to sit still for that long. So now we drive into the back of the bay at dusk and float around during the show. Once the show is over we high tail it out of there ahead of the pack. Downsides is poor view from the back of the bay and traffic leaving can be stressful. Even if I start out in front of the pack they allways catch me near the Weirs.
As for routes, mine is easy, I go up the bay and under the Governors's Island bridge. The rest of the way is uncrowded. For you going to Braun Bay area, the area near Eagle Island is tough at night, especially in a crowd.
Wherever you go and whatever route you take, make sure you know the way cold. Things look different at night and that many boats can block your landmarks.
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