This is a line of the Smooth Steppers band all the way from Sacramento, California. It wasn’t the only band. Again, the Austin All Star Band won the hearts of the onlookers.

The early arrivals lined the shady side of the street for the Juneteenth parade. The sellers of water and of snow-cones did a brisk trade on both sides of the street. We took up our favorite spot, which is on the sunny side and across from the Fresh Up sign, but we couldn’t resist stepping out along the entire parade route for each of the bands and also for the Pan-African drummer group.

Dignitaries seen were Danny Thomas and the mayor. The most welcome freebies were fans, which were put to immediate use. I love a parade, and I love this parade especially.