There were some indications Boston fans might even be getting picky about their championships, with 2004 and 2007 coming when the Sox were on the road.

Ortiz said a fan asked him when the team was going to win a World Series at Fenway.

“I told him, ’Dude, it doesn’t matter where you win it, as long as you win it,”’ Ortiz said.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said before the parade that he could not choose which Series win he liked better.

“They’re two flavors of ice cream — they both taste good,” he said. “You can’t choose among them. I think the next one is going to taste good, too.”

Mayor Thomas Menino acknowledged having the celebration on a week day would inconvenience some businesses and keep school children away, but said players were eager to get home to their families and begin their vacation. This year’s parade had one significant difference from the 2004 parade: it did not proceed into the Charles River. Menino said that decision was made by the team.

Before the parade, Menino stumbled on the stairs at Fenway while carrying the 2004 World Series trophy and injured his knee. A spokeswoman said he hyperextended his knee, but was fine.

Menino also said a “rolling rally” was easier for city officials to manage, because it spread out the crowds. He estimated security would cost $500,000.

Police refused to give a crowd estimate. People were lined up along the three-mile route, dozens deep at some points.

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