EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The city sent summer off in style Monday with a Labor Day parade that had spectators smiling, waving and catching handfuls of candy.
Organized by City Councilman and Assistant Mayor Thomas Rose, it featured the high school marching band, Shriners clowns, Shriners mini-cars, Shriners marching in fez hats, Smokey the Bear, and lots of fire trucks with lights flashing and sirens blaring.
At the heart of the parade was a contingent of bright pink fire and rescue trucks -- part of the national breast cancer support and awareness group called Pink Heals.
"Everything was donated, and the main focus this year was on the Pink Heals campaign," said Rose, who launched the city's Labor Day parade last year.
His hope, he said, is for the parade to grow every year until it becomes a Labor Day tradition.
And while this year's parade was definitely bigger and better than last year, Rose said that the damp, drippy weather deterred viewers.
A little more than 20 people lined the parade route from East Providence High School to City Hall.
Rose estimated that this year's crowd was only about a third of what it was last year, and he is hoping for better luck with the weather next year.
"We're going to keep working to get the word out about the parade," he said. "It's all about Townie pride and a way to celebrate the end of summer."