PROVO — About a quarter of a million people lined the streets from Provo High School on University Avenue to the corner of 900 East and Center Street, all awaiting the Grand Parade that started at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Some had been there for several hours and even camped out in front of Provo City Library at Academy Square the night before.

As the parade started with the color guard passing by, the crowd stood to honor the American flag, each putting a hand over their heart.

They sat back down on chairs, blankets and even air mattresses as floats from various cities, companies, organizations and schools glided down the streets filled with spectators sometimes 20 people deep.

People clapped as elected officials drove past and sometimes shook people's hands. The kids loved seeing the giant helium balloons and would signal them to turn in a circle.

As the parade came to an end, people gathered their things together and walked back to their homes or cars, ready to celebrate the rest of Independence Day.

— Sara Lenz