A sunny sky and a gentle breeze made for the perfect day for games, laughter and a parade to celebrate 125 years of Heron Lake.
In the park there were games and inflatables for the kids, plus antique tractors and engines of all sorts to keep others occupied. The concession stand did a steady business as people waited along the road for the parade to begin.
Around 1 p.m., a Heron Lake Police Department squad car escorted the color guard down the street to start the parade. Hats were removed and people cheered, as they did when the Iraq veterans walked by in camo gear.
In a horse-drawn carriage, Aggie Fest and Otto Just rode in style. As the oldest residents of Heron Lake, they were given the honor of being parade grand marshals.
The Farley and Sathers float-riders tossed out candy by the handful, other floats represented area businesses and churches.
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Representatives from the 2007-2008 Quasars girls basketball team, who took fourth place at state this year, had crowd members up on their feet and applauding. A few floats from earlier sports teams and seasons also passed by to the sound of hands clapping.
Many of the float riders and parade watchers were sporting the Heron Lake 125 commemorative t-shirts -- at times the park was awash in shades of maroon and gold.
The celebration started Friday night with baseball games, a community meal, the Miss Heron Lake and Little Mr. and Miss Heron Lake and a teen dance.
It continued Saturday with games, the parade, bingo, a horse shoe tournament and craft vendors. There was a Midwest Outlaw Truck Pull, a catered meal and a street dance.
Sunday was also full of activities that included a local talent show, a car show, an ecumenical service and a pancake breakfast.
