Tractors, children, dancers and even princesses accompanied by a unicorn made their way along Centennial Street for the “Greatest Little Small Town Parade” on Sunday morning.
The parade, part of the 76th edition of the Los Alamos Old Days celebration, traveled on Centennial Street and ended at Waite Street.
More than a dozen entries participated in the event.
“We’re here to have fun,” said parade announcer Jim Glines, whose father was born in Los Alamos. “I told Shirley Williams we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.
“This is what America’s all about. The backbone of this great country is people coming out celebrating, enjoying a great parade,” he added.
Community super volunteer and local historian Mike Farris rode in a place of honor as the parade grand marshal.
Glines also announced a number of entries as winners of assorted parade awards.
Rather than using Bell Street — Los Alamos’ main street — for the parade route and artisans’ faire, this year’s event had a different setting. Bell Street, also state Highway 135, requires Caltrans permits for event-related closures.
Since the route traveled through residential areas, some parade spectators staked out viewing spots from their front yards or porches while others gathered on the side of the road.
Old Days, which began Friday night and ended Sunday, is organized by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club.
Vendors set up in Ferrini Park, across from the historic 1880 Union Hotel, and at the Men’s Club parking lot at 429 Leslie St.
This year’s event included the traditional chili cook-off, artisans’ faire in Ferrini Park, car show and Old Days Stampede 5K Run along with the parade. A number of food trucks also converged on the small town both Saturday and Sunday.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.