Great idea. as for parking before or after there are several great places everyone one could meet up. Either jackson pier middle of downtown and close to several bars and over looks CP. or the sandusky marina is more of a park area is right by a Dammons and also over looks CP. there is also a skate park there. Only down side is its right next to the cop shop. but as long as people aren't stupid it shouldn't be a issue.
these are the best 2 areas to go to best for picture taking and will hold about a good 100 cars.