Who doesn't love a parade?

Today was the Roslindale Day Parade, and we set up camp at our usual location, at Belgrade and Walworth Street. It was a nice parade, if a bit odd in that there wasn't a single fire truck (unless you count the ancient one used by the New Liberty Jazz Band). Seems the firetrucks ran about 15 minutes before the rest of the parade. And there seemed to be a lot fewer armed-forces/Junior ROTC/veterans groups.

More photos, natch:

Marching bands still came out in force:

As did adorable kids:

Some group mounted a memorial to Dapper O'Neil - two old cars with his name emblazoned on the sides. Whether intentionally or not, they came right behind a 1938 hearse - which made one wonder if the Dap were in the back:

Every year, state Sen. Marian Walsh's head seems to get bigger and bigger:

Fat Elvis made an appearance:

As did a cryogenically thawed woman from the 1960s and her date, advertising Geoffrey's:

Shrinerettes in training?

Apparently, the theme of this year's Roslindale Open Studios is "Giant tentacle beasts are too art, dammit:"

It's Samurai Parade Marcher:

Ever wonder what happens if you marry a low rider to a Lincoln SUV?

Some Vietnamese ladies marched:

What would a parade be without the Boston Police bagpipe band?