Allston and Brighton residents stepped outside into a cool, clear fall day to celebrate their community during the annual neighborhood parade Sunday.
“We’ve got great music, great food, great people here,” said three-year resident Jeremy Collins, as the Rat City Arts Festival marchers passed out rat-awareness stickers. “I loved living in the area, even with the rats.”
Neighbors came out in crowds Sunday to see the parade go by from Union Square in Allston to Brighton Center to Oak Square. The 41st annual parade kicked off at 1 p.m.
It was preceded by the annual Brian Honan 5K in Allston and followed by a three-hour boisterous “Party in the Park” at Hardiman “Tar” Park near the end of the parade route in Oak Square.
The parade was led by Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilor Liz Breadon and others. The festivities filled the streets with a long list of marchers including high school and college marching bands and cheerleaders, characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Elsa, floats decked out to resemble dogs, and a number of community groups and figures.
Coach Randolph Abraham of the Brighton High School Bengals — the BPS Coach of the Year — was selected as the 2024 Grand Marshall, walking along with enthusiastic students.
Throughout the route Sunday, dogs barked excitedly, music blared and kids darted around.
“It’s a beautiful fall day,” said Mary Stevens, standing out with several kids cheering on the princesses walking past. “We’re just happy to be out with everyone today.”
