Run Club with Nike Portland

Nike Portland Run Club.

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  May and June in the Northwest can be frustrating. Summer is near, but the weather may not always reflect what the calendar says.

  Of course, there are teasers on occasion. But usually the warm, sunny days are scattered between week long bouts of gray, drizzly days.

  In the two weeks that I've been home, I've caught myself feeling like it's mid-July or August on several occasions, but obviously that isn't the case.

  What the summer-like weather has allowed me to do is get a jump on a few summer activities. 

  One of those activities is the Run Club at Nike Portland. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while now, but haven't gotten a chance to participate in.

  I've written before about my fondness/obsession with running.

  More often than not though, running is a solo act for me. Running gives me a chance to clear my head, plan out my day, think through whatever might be running through my mind, and just get outside into the fresh air. No matter how the day is going for me, after 35-45 minutes of pounding the pavement (or the sand, when I'm lucky), the day always gets that much better. 

Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

  But there are definite benefits to a run club.

Run Club Plusses

  For one, it makes running social.

  Portland is an active city, and Oregon in general, is a state that runs. So there are a lot of runners, each with their own interesting story throughout the Rose City. Who knows who you might meet at run club!

  It's been said that the toughest step is a runner's first step out the door. Sometimes that is absolutely true. There are days when you just don't want to get out there. Where you're tired, or don't feel like running. If you do make it out the door, the run usually gets better after those first tough steps or those unmotivated thoughts. But the key is getting out the door.

  Having a run club to go to, makes those first steps easier. It's scheduled. You're going to meet people. Even though they'd run even without you there, you're being held accountable to a certain extent.

  Run club also gives you a change from your usual routes/routines. Every route gets tiresome and boring at some point. Why not find a few new ones?

I got to take the Flyknit Lunar 1 out for a spin!

  One benefit is unique to the Nike Run Club, and came as a surprise to me: you're able to test out new shoes and products during the run club. 

   For three weeks at a time, Nike Portland has new shoe models and products available to try out. If you're thinking about a new pair of shoes, or a new gadget, your local Nike store might let you test it out. If it's a new product for you, you can test it to see if it's to your liking before you plunk down the money.

  I tested the Flyknit Lunar 1. And just one test run was all it took for me to decide they'd be my next runner. 

  Finally, Run Club is free, and I'm betting you'll gain more than you lose from participating. Though I did have to pay for parking. 

  Specifics of the Nike Portland Run Club:

  Portland run club meets twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30, at Nike Portland (on SW 5th & Morrison). They have four different routes they cycle through (Waterfront left, Waterfront right, Terwilliger and the Waterfront Esplanade). Since Portland's downtown sits on the Willamette River waterfront, most of the runs have some pretty scenery.

  Depending on how you're feeling that day, you can choose between a 3, 5 or 7-mile run. All the runs are led by numerous pacers, so no runner will be left behind!

  The warm, sunny Wednesday I went to Run Club there were about 10 other runners. I was told that as the summer weather becomes more and more consistent (usually July thru September), there can be as many as 30-35 runners.

  The out-and-back went quickly for me that day. It was nice chatting up new people, hearing about what they do, what they were training for, what event they had just run, and anything else that might have come up over the course of a 5-mile run. 

  After we made our way back to SW 5th and Morrison, there was water, coconut water, recovery gels and protein bars if we wanted. I've never tried coconut water, so again this gave me the perfect opportunity to test out something new. Can't say I'm a fan, however, so I'll just stick to water.

It's looking a lot like summer in Portland.

A Few Run Club Minuses

  A few things I didn't like: getting out of the city center. It was constant stop and go at crosswalks and lights the first five-plus minutes. Though, once we got to the waterfront, it was fabulous.

  And for me, since I don't work downtown, it's a little difficult to get into the city during the busiest time of the day. But it makes perfect sense for people who already are working downtown, or live close by. 

  There are different run clubs all over the country. They don't always have to be associated with a worldwide corporation like Nike. Sometimes they can just be a group of friends who plan to meet a couple times a week.

  Finding various run clubs in your area can be as easy as googling it, or maybe even check Facebook for a group.

  If running is your thing, or you want it to be your thing, check one out! You won't regret it. I know I'll be going back to the Nike Portland Run Club as often as I can!

Soccer in the States -- With a European Flavor

Goooooooaaaaaaaaal!

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  Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to get an invite to the always-sold-out Timbers game.

  The Portland Timbers are all the rage in the Rose City this summer, just as they've been since their re-franchising in 2011.

  The franchise originated in 1975 in the old North American Soccer League. This is the fourth Portland team to share the Timbers' legacy and don a Timbers' kit.

  Portlanders have a rich history with soccer, and traditionally do a tremendous job supporting their teams. And since the MLS brought professional soccer back to Portland just a few seasons ago, the Timbers Army and the rest of the city, have done just that.

 I put together a short video from the Timbers vs. Whitecaps.

  While most think of soccer in the US as an afterthought, the Timbers sell out Jeld-Wen Field each and every match. 20,000+ screaming, singing, scarf donning, flag waving fans, elicit thoughts of passionate European crowds (sadly, something I never got to see while in Europe), not a small-market city in the States.

Some action on the field.

  It seems to me that the Timbers Army is the heart and soul of the franchise. While the players make the machine go, the passionate supporters are what make the soccer experience in Portland memorable. Officially, the Timbers Army is made up of the 4,000+ fans at the north-end of the stadium.

  I wouldn't call myself a soccer fanatic, but without a doubt, I'm a sports fan. And am always loyal to my hometown teams. So when I got the invite, I jumped at the chance to see the Timbers, and the Timbers Army, in person.

Timbers Army.

  I had seen several games on TV, and the constant singing and chanting from the crowd alone made it fun and exciting. Since this would be my first game in person, I was thrilled to see and feel the energy of the crowd. The Timbers Army lived up to the hype, and then some. Our seats (or stands, since we never sat down) were just next to the Timbers Army in the north-end of Jeld-Wen field.

  After two seasons of less-than-stellar play, this year's Timbers squad is an improved team, and is battling to stay near the top of the Western Conference standings. And the game versus Vancouver just happened to be one of their rivalry games -- the Cascadia Cup.

Yell sheets.

  My first professional soccer match was sure to be a doozy. 

  Walking into the stadium, yell sheets with lyrics were being handed out. And as we found our seats, roughly 20 minutes before kickoff, the chants were already echoing throughout the stadium.

  While I thoroughly enjoyed the game, I felt myself, at times, paying more attention to the crowd and the yell leaders -- trying to decipher which song they were chanting. The were entertaining in

Pre-game activities.

itself.

  Now to the game.

  It was my first professional soccer match. And it was fast, physical, and intense. The athletes were impressive; quick, strong, and skilled.

The final minutes tick off the clock.

  Seeing a game in person is always a sure fire way to becoming a fan, as the speed of any game never translates through television. So being able to watch live and in person, was a real treat.

  One thing I was disappointed with: the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

  The last five minutes were played in a fury -- get that game-winning goal! But then the final whistle blew, and the match was over. You could feel the disappointment in the crowd too, as if everyone was saying, 'now what?'

On the MAX. Headed home with a tie?

  No win, no loss. And yet, it was time to head home. Weird. I don't know, as an athlete, if I could ever get used to ending a game in a tie.

  Nonetheless, we hopped back on the MAX, jam-packed with all the rest of the crowd, and eventually made our way home.

  Though I was disappointed with the tie result, my first professional soccer match was a blast -- thanks to the exceptional athletes on the pitch, and the tremendous fans in the stands.

  Next time, I'll have yells down pat. And maybe we'll get a win out of the deal too.

Post-Career Career Advice

Summer '09 -- Huntington Beach

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  Word to athletes -- professional, collegiate, or otherwise: intern!

  We all know, we can't play forever, so there's no time like the present to start preparing for the 'after-life'.

  Whenever your off-season may be, for me it was the summer time, make it a point to do what I didn't do -- get some work experience!

  Interning provides a great opportunity to learn a few tricks to the trade, make some quality connections, and bolster your resume. And if you can't find an internship that works with your off-season calendar, volunteer!

  During my time as a college athlete at Colorado, and my 10-year career in Europe, I never interned. And right now, I'm asking myself why. Instead of already having an understanding of how the job market works, and true work experience under my belt, I'm playing catch up. And trying to learn everything all at once.

  Sure I volunteered, worked at various camps, and then eventually ran my own clinics. But I'm learning that employers want proof you can handle yourself in an office setting, problem solve, and maybe most-importantly, hit the ground running when hired.

Time = Opportunity
  We do love our off-seasons: free time, family, friends. I loved mine. It allowed me to reset the batteries, see the people I had missed all season while I was gone, and train for the upcoming season.

  But how about doing something to invest in the not-too-distant future?

Ice Hotel -- Sweden. Winter '09.

  We have nothing but time during the off-season. Yes, workouts take up a lot of time and energy. If you're a pro, think back to those college days where we somehow mustered up the energy to go to school full time and hold it down in our athletic arena.

   See, we already know how to manage our time and energy! It will be time very well spent.

  Interning, or volunteering, will give you the one thing that employers seem to want: people with work experience. No matter how we chalk it up, being a successful athlete isn't the only thing they're looking for. So we've got to give them what they want.

  Here are your choices: put in some work during the off-season, or try to make up for lost time when the ball stops bouncing.

  Take it from me; take a summer (or two, or three) before your playing career comes to a close, and intern!

  If you've been thinking about it, do it! You'll thank me later.

The Details: Walk to End Alzheimer's

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The Walk:
          When: Sunday September 8th, 2013 (National Grandparents Day)
                    Registration: 12:30pm
                    Start Time: 2pm
          Where: Portland International Raceway (PIR) | 1940 N. Victory Blvd.
          The Cost: It's free! All walkers must register, however, for event participation numbers (registration can be done here).
          The Fun: It's not just a 2-mile walk. Organizers are striving to make the Walk to End Alzheimer's a fun-filled, family event for everyone involved:

• Classic Car Show
• Kidz Zone featuring a bounce house, pumpkin patch, & the chance to see an ambulance up close & personal.
• Live band and entertainment
• Food vendors
• Participation by the Portland Timbers and the Timbers Army in honor of Hall of Famer Jimmy Conway.
• Promise Garden - depending on each walker's relation with Alzheimer's (sufferer, caregiver, loved-one who suffers), a color-specific flower will be placed in the Promise Garden, creating quite the visual with over 3,000 walkers anticipated.

Alzheimer's -- by the numbers.

The Cause:
     Today, there are over five million Americans living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, that number could triple.

      Research and support services need funding, and the Walk to End Alzheimer's provides just that. Since 1982, the Alzheimer's Association has granted over $300 million to scientists for studies and research.

     Nationwide, 651 walks raised $51.8 million last year. That money funds 4,500 support groups throughout the country, maintains the 24/7 support hotline (800.272.3900), and funds various research projects searching for answers to the Alzheimer's question.
 
The Fundraising:
     There are wide-scope efforts, company efforts, and small team efforts to help raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association through the Walk to End Alzheimer's. I have a relatively small family, but we are doing our best to add a few dollars to the cause.

     We have formed Papa's Team, and will be walking on September 8th, in honor of our Papa. Donate, register to walk with us -- do whatever you are able, and willing, to do!

     If you have any questions, comments, or even if you have a fundraising idea (orrrrrr, you work for a company that might be interested in taking part), please don't hesitate to contact me!

     We have roughly 40 days to go til walk-day, let's see how many dollars we can collect!

LINKS:
Donate to Papa's Team!
Register to Walk with Us!

RELATED POSTS:
Walking for Papa 

The Walk to End Alzheimer's

Nana and Papa 2001.

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  Late last summer I stumbled upon a fundraiser I wanted to participate in: The Walk to End Alzheimer's. I wanted to put a team together, of family members and friends, raise money to help put an end to the wide-reaching disease, and walk in honor of Papa.

  Since I was to be back in France in mid-August, and wouldn't be around for the walk in September, it didn't happen. Not in 2012 anyway.

  But I made note of the annual event, and here we are again, looking at the Walk to End Alzheimer's (the Portland edition) coming up on September 8th.

Papa and Sadie 2006.

  The Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It's held annually in more than 600 communities across the US.

  Many of us, my family included, have lost a loved one far too soon because of Alzheimer's.

What is Alzheimer's?
  Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia (a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious
enough to interfere with daily life), and accounts for 50-80% of

Papa and Stella 2005.

all dementia cases.

  It's a progressive disease, where symptoms gradually worsen over time. The difficulty with Alzheimer's is that our loved ones are taken from us in mind, long before they're taken in body. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and sufferers live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.

  Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, though the greatest risk factor is increasing age.

Nana and Papa on their anniversary in 2009.

  Currently, Alzheimer's has no cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's, and their loved-ones and caregivers. 

  And though support groups (which can be found through your local hospital), as my grandma explained are helpful, and extremely beneficial, it should be noted that no two cases are the same. 

  Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.

The Dresslers 2001.

  Which is where the Walk to End Alzheimer's comes into play.

Alzheimer's and My Family
  Various health complications over the years led to Papa's bout with Alzheimer's. Nana first noted a decline in short term memory after his brain bleed in 1998. 

  That's when 'the Long Goodbye' began.

  What started out as 'Papa's bad memory' progressed to Sundowners syndrome, and over time into the disease we lost Papa in 2009. Because of it's variety, doctors termed it vascular dementia.

Thanksgiving 2003.

  Alzheimer's was a difficult disease to watch progress, even from a distance. Not only did it affect Papa, it affected everyone who loved him. 

  For roughly 12 years, Alzheimer's took its toll on Papa, and Nana, on a daily basis. My grandparents were married for 63 years, and they were together at every turn. Nana lovingly and loyally saw Papa through his bout with Alzheimer's (with the amazing help of some special care-givers at the Gardens in Forest Grove).

  While his last several years might be my most recent memories -- Papa stricken with Alzheimer's. The memories I treasure, and remember the most are: stealing his comb out of his back pocket (his white hair was always perfectly combed), playing catch with him, having him in the stands of my many sporting events, going out to his garden (and even eating the veggies that came from it -- I knew I had to at least try it if it was 'from Papa's garden'), frequent trips to DQ for a peanut buster parfait (for him) and a blizzard (for me), family vacations to the Oregon Coast, and of course, hearing the story (or was it stories?) of his lost index finger.

Hanging in Papa's garden with my cousin Robbie.

  Those are the memories of Papa I keep close.

   Unfortunately, Alzheimer's took Papa from us too soon. My hope, with the help of fundraisers like the Walk to End Alzheimer's and other efforts, research will continue, and Alzheimer's will cease affecting the lives of our loved ones.

The Walk's History
  In 1989, the first Memory Walk took place, with nine Alzheimer’s Association chapters raising $149,000 from 1249 participants.  By 1993, Memory Walk had grown into a nationwide event and raised $4.5 million at 167 locations.

  More than 39,000 teams participated in 2011 in 650 walks across the country, raising more than $47.2 million. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way in the fight against the disease.

What is the Walk to End Alzheimer's?

Our Effort
  If you're in the Portland area this September 8th, please come join us at Portland International Raceway for the Walk to End Alzheimer's! I'm still learning more about the event, but will be posting updates and details as they become available.

  The walk is free to participate in. But even if you can't join us, my family's team -- Papa's Team, would love a donation on Papa's behalf. 

  Visit our team page for more information on the walk, donating, and event details. If you're outside the Portland area, you can even check to see if there's a walk coming up in your neck of the woods!

LINKS:
Join Papa's Team!
What is Alzheimer's?

The Walk to End Alzheimer's Frequently Asked Questions

Find a Walk in Your Area

Alzheimer's Association Fund Allocation -- Use of Funds

Event Details

2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's Portland, OR

Date: Sunday, September 8, 2013

Location: Portland International Raceway

1940 North Victory Boulevard

Portland, OR 97217

Map

Coordinator: Kara Busick

Phone: 503-416-0209

Email: kara.busick@alz.org

"There are different paths to EVERY destination" -- Job Hunt Thoughts

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  I officially announced my 'retirement' just over a month ago. So I guess you can say I've been on the job hunt ever since. Though, the word hunt sounds intensive and stressful, it really hasn't been that.

  Roughly one month in, and already faced with a few learning experiences, I thought now was as good a time as any to share some thoughts.

  I had a summer plan, or so I thought. To take things slowly, not rush into anything, put some feelers out there (wherever there is), and figure out what I really wanted to do.

  But like many plans, mine quickly was thrown by the wayside. Mostly because opportunities arose. And also because I started getting a little antsy (so much for taking things slowly, huh?). I suppose I am more anxious to get on with the next part of my life than I initially thought I would be.

Swimming with Sofie over 4th of July weekend.

  As I've gotten myself into the networking, connecting, job hunt world I've encountered a few difficulties. Not huge mountains to climb, but there have been a few common denominators that have arisen.

  Don't get me wrong, the positives have immensely outweighed the negative. Family members, friends, mentors, etc have been gracious enough to give me their time and their ear. I value and rely upon their experiences to guide me in this journey a great deal.

  1) The first stumbling block I've come across is my 'lack of experience'. I find the different reactions, and vibes, I get regarding my ten years abroad as a professional basketball player interesting. It is seen as a negative entirely too much -- in my opinion, of course.

  How can it be a negative? Sure, I lack the work place experience that many people my age already have already garnered. I will be the first to acknowledge that. So let's acknowledge it, and move on to how how that experience is a positive.

  Here's why I'd prefer to focus on the positive side: What was I supposed to do, turn down the opportunity to play professional basketball? I don't think so. I worked my tail off, and sacrificed a lot growing up so I could get to the point of being able to play professionally. Pursuing, and enjoying, that career was only natural.

Taking advantage of auntie time!

  I would like to think, through my 10 years overseas, I bring a great deal more to the table than a kid fresh out of college. (Here's where I'd insert all the positive things about my career oversea -- my international perspective, my ability to adapt quickly and succeed, and so on -- but tooting my own horn isn't what I'm here for.)

  What I need is for a potential employer to understand my time and experiences in Europe outweigh any negatives.

  I find myself echoing the sentiments of the people I have just talked to. If they are positive, I come away with a positive outlook. If they dwell on my lack of experience, I find myself thinking I'm in for a long, uphill battle.

  Maybe that is me, my responsibility. I need to hold myself accountable, and force the conversations to remain focused on what I will bring to the position. And not allow a question mark to enter into the equation.

“If you celebrate your differentness, the world will, too. It believes exactly what you tell it—through the words you use to describe yourself, the actions you take to care for yourself, and the choices you make to express yourself. Tell the world you are one-of-a-kind creation who came here to experience wonder and spread joy. Expect to be accommodated."

-- Victoria Moran                                  

Beautiful sights of Boulder.

  2) The second stumbling block I have encountered is that I'm not nearly narrow-minded enough. Call it not having a clear vision. But it seems that I don't know exactly what I want to do. I believe I'm getting closer, and that vision is becoming clearer. But still, there are details to work out!

  I understand that a wishy-washy, unfocused person is nearly impossible to deal with. And that is not what I want to convey. I have been working diligently to familiarize myself with some potential job areas. It's not easy navigating through the different languages that each job description comes with. But again, this is where I rely on friends and family to help clarify.

On the lake for fireworks -- July 4th.

  I knew this transition, and in turn, this job hunt, wouldn't be a cakewalk. Every situation I have encountered thus far has been a new experience for me. I'm taking baby steps and learning a great deal as I go along. It's only been a month, but I'm positive I'm headed in the right direction!

  Shout out to my friends and family who have been willing to offer up advice and guidance! You don't know how much I appreciate your time and input!

  Here's to a resilient, patience-filled journey!
                        

Portland's Rose Festival & Grand Floral Parade

My favorite float from the Make a Wish Foundation.

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  You know, Portland is called the Rose City, for several reasons.

  Along with being famously weird, and its rain, its food carts, and Nike, Portland is also known for its roses. The most commonly referenced reason for the rose moniker comes from the International Rose Test Gardens, where hundreds of rose varieties are grown and experimented.

  Apparently roses grow like crazy in Portland. So the city wanted to put that to good use, and as early as 1919, there have been test gardens in the city.

Two other favorites floats.

  But most-likely, the 'City of Roses' origin came from former mayor, Harry Lane. In 1905, Lane came up with the idea of an ongoing festival dedicated to roses.

  Two years later, Portland held its first Rose Festival.

  Today, the Rose Festival is possibly the most-popular time to visit Portland, the with the Grand Floral Parade being the

highlight of the three-weekend long city
celebration.

  Even though we haven't officially hit summertime yet, many would call the Rose Festival the centerpiece of summer in Portland. Though many years, summer still seems a long time off during Rose Festival.

  I have a vivid memory of the Rose Festival as a kid. It's not one of bright, sun-shiny skies, however. I remember one particularly-wet CityFair where my family and I braved a soggy, smelly waterfront park, all in the name of riding a few amusement park rides.

The Festival
  Optimistic city leaders started the festival in 1907, with hopes of putting Portland on the map and branding it the 'summer capital of the world.' While I'm not so sure they've reached that lofty goal, Portland's Rose Festival has become quite the attraction -- drawing over a million visitors to the city each year. And for those who live in the the Portland-Metro area, it's something to look forward to when June rolls around every year.

CityFair 2012 -- notice the black sky.

  The Rose Festival is filled with different events -- most of them centered around Portland's waterfront downtown.

  There are three parades, a two-week long amusement park -- CityFair, firework displays, a 5k run, Dragon Boat Races, the Queen's Coronation, and of course, the Grand Floral Parade. There's a little something for everyone.

  Sadly, this year there was one thing missing from the Rose Festival: the Navy ships.

Fleet Week 2012.

  Since the very first festival, navy ships and other fleet-related vessels (submarines, for example) have made their way to Portland's waterfront for Fleet Week. It gave the city and the people of Portland an opportunity to celebrate and thank the military, and also for active personnel to come to port for the week.

  But this year, due to the Navy sequestration and budget concerns, the ships were not able to attend Rose Festival. Hopefully that does not become the trend for good.

The Grand Floral Parade
  I've attended the Grand Floral Parade a handful of times. And this year happened to be one of them. The weather forecast was clear; we were in for a beautiful day. So with nothing on my Saturday agenda, my mom and I packed a couple chairs, some snacks, and off to the parade we went!

The scene as we waited for the parade to arrive.

  We found a perfect spot to enjoy the parade: a front-row, sidewalk seat, nestled in between food carts and coffee shops.

  Before the parade made its way to our location, we passed the time mostly by people-watching, while fighting off the urge to taste every different aroma coming from the food trucks.

  Here are some highlights from the four-mile long route:18 marching bands from local, and not-so-local, high schools (one band made the trip all the way from sister city, Kaohsiung, Taiwan), 19 equestrian units, and 17 all-floral floats.

Mom and I waiting for the parade.

  The Grand Floral Parade is the second largest all-floral parade in North America, meaning the floats are made entirely with 'organic' materials. Something to wonder at as you notice the detail, texture, and intricacy as each float passes by.

Without a doubt, the Grand Floral Parade was a great way to spend a Saturday.

  The Rose Festival has a long-standing presence in Portland. It survives year in and year out because of volunteerism, and people willing to work to put on a fabulous summertime event, and make Portland a better city to live and visit.

  It's a great tradition I'm proud to be able to say originates from Portland!

LINKS:

RoseFestival.org

Rose Festival Info

International Rose Test Garden

More pictures to enjoy!

Most outstanding float from Reser's Fine Foods.

Fleet Week 2012.

Fleet Week from 2012

Mom getting ready for the sun.

Sidewalk fun.

Detailed look at Make a Wish bear.

Hello llama! This little guy came to say hello to me.

Happy Canyon Princesses.

The Oregonian float.

Life Flight float.

Battle Ground Rose Float.

Food cart scene.

2013 Rose Festival Court.

They're so creative! Where there's horses, there's bound to be...

Detail of the alligator float.

Beautiful horses.

Royal Rosarian Foundation Float.

Royal Rosarian Foundation Float.

A nod to the history of the Oregon Trail.

Peace Corps Association.

Dragon dancers.

Chinelos dancers.

The Clydesdale horses.

The Boy Scouts brought the parade to an end.