Everyone loves a parade! (41 photos)

Queen street was packed with people and colourful floats this morning as the Rotaryfest held its annual parade.

Organizers estimated 11,000 people filled the downtown area for the event.

Parade Marshall David K. Marshall (yes his last name and his title) said, “Thanks to everyone who came out and who took the time and energy to make floats. It was a fantastic parade day. The weather was perfect and everything went off without a hitch.”

The theme of this year’s parade was ‘Saturday morning at the movies’ and the 2016 Winston Piper Memorial Grand Prize winner was The Indian Friendship Centre with their much-enjoyed Avatar-themed float.

This was the first year that the parade had a 'Sensory Friendly Zone' where they asked floats to not use honking or make any loud sudden noises.

However, they were encouraged to do everything else they normally do, including play music.

Several people held signs in support of the sensory-softened area and others commented on how they appreciated having the space. 

The 2016 award winners are:

Winston Piper Memorial Grand Prize: Indian Friendship Centre

Professional Float, First Place: Lowe's Home Improvement

Professional Float, Second Place: Wacky Wings

Non-Professional Float, First Place: Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre

Non-Professional Float, Second Place: Autism Ontario

Best Theme, First Place: City of Sault Ste. Marie

Best Theme, Second Place: Sault Ste. Marie Police Services

Best Environmentally-Friendly Transportation:

First Place Human Powered (Kinetic) Sculpture: Algoma Swift Watch

First Place Motorized Entry using Green Energy: Hollywood Electric Avenue