The Pumpkin Festival parade returned for its 52nd annual year as the heart of the festival Sunday in Sycamore.

The two-hour parade included local fire engines and ambulances, marching bands and community floats. Crowds of people arrived as early as 8 a.m. to reserve their front row spots on Main Street. Somonauk Street viewers were able to begin saving their spots on Saturday morning, according to local authorities.

“The parade was really good,” said Katie Zalabak, of Bolingbrook. “I loved all of the marching bands.”

The parade began with local and American flags, followed by local police department vehicles and ambulances. Local Boy Scouts led the parade by holding the Sycamore Pumpkin Parade flag.

Locals and residents from neighboring cities have enjoyed the annual parade for years, and the 2013 parade was no exception.

Marching bands from around the state performed at the parade, including local bands from Sycamore High School, DeKalb High School and NIU.

The bands performed popular musical hits ranging from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” to ’70s classics.

Other viewers enjoyed the large community floats in the parade. Local dance companies, political supporters, school clubs and animal groups were all featured in the parade.

“I like that there are so many local groups with floats,” said Patti Bidstrup, of Sycamore. “It brings the community together.”

People came from hours away to visit Sycamore for the parade, as with Jeff Laird, who drove up from St. Louis. He said growing up in Sycamore made him very fond of the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, and he brings his family up from Missouri every year to watch the parade.

“I think it’s a great memory to share with my kids,” Laird said. “Being up here with my family is the best.”