Five thousand pack Garland's Labor Day parade

Garland hosted its 78th annual Labor Day parade Monday morning. The parade returned to its original route through downtown after two years of construction on the town square to include more event space, parking, and a pavilion.

The parade ran a mile and a half with people lining the streets happy clouds gave way to the sun, and the event stayed dry.

"It's exciting. It's not as hot outside, so it's better," one woman said.

"It's cool, and [the parade] will be over before any rain starts and the weather gets bad," another said.

Some parents say they came as children and now bring their own kids.

"I grew up in Garland, and I participated in the parade, in the drill team, pep squads, and then four years of band," one mom said. "It's a tradition bringing my kids out here now to watch them all."

But she and her husband also said they knew their kids would have another focus.

"Let's be honest. They're just ready for all the Dum-Dums and lollipops to be thrown out, all the candy," she said.

Garland says the parade includes 60 marching bands, pep squads, cheerleading units, and ROTC programs from all seven high schools. The event also includes police and fire department units along with local elected officials. The city expected about 5,000 people to attend.

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