"But it's holidays like this that help us forget that for the moment, and lift our spirits," he said.

For him, the holiday, not $4-a-gallon-and-rising gas prices and worry over the tumultuous economy, was the focus.

"We just come out and have some fun," added his friend, Eric Bird, a junior at BYU.

Friday was the first time Alvaro Ramirez and his family have attended the Grand Parade. Asked about the direction of America, he, too, said he would have to wait and see what happens with the presidential election, which will pit Republican Sen. John McCain against Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.

"The military is the biggest concern," he said. "Do what they gotta do, then get them home. It's a good cause ... and they do a good job, but we gotta keep them safe, too."

The parade route — with new rules prohibiting early spot stakeouts — was lined with lawn chairs, six deep in some places, plus air mattresses, couches, blankets, tents and canopies. Young entrepreneurs pulled coolers, selling soda or Popsicles to the toasty masses.

Children wearing matching flag shirts waved at the performers and eagerly pointed out the giant Curious George and Underdog balloons. Even llamas got in on the festivities, wearing red, white and blue tassels as they were paraded down the route.

Lindon city won the Grand Marshal Most Creative Award for its "Plant Love, Harvest Happiness" float. A red ladybug and purple worm wiggled on the float that was filled with elegantly dressed Little Miss Lindons, glittering flowers and a watering can blowing bubbles.

BYU graduate Megan White said thinking about the country's situation motivates her to get involved. "Every vote is going to matter," she said, still wearing her running gear from the 10K run that morning. "We gotta voice our opinions."

"It's up to us as a people," said Chris Blanchett, a BYU graduate student. "Yeah, we need a good president, but we need to stop whining about things and start taking it upon ourselves."

If gas is too expensive, he said, let's look at better transportation systems or increase car-pooling.

"We whine about the fact that nothing is happening, but we're sitting back and doing nothing," Blanchett said. "It's really up to us."

Students from the newly christened Utah Valley University surrounded their sparkling black and green float, throwing T-shirts and reminding the crowd that "It's Your University."

The float from BYU, "Pioneering the Summit of Freedom," complete with mascot Cosmo riding a train, was met with chanting, cheering and waving.

The following University of Utah float, "Pioneering the World Over," receiving only polite applause.