CANTON - New York may have Macy's, but Canton has the Timken Grand Parade, and Grand might have been an understatement.

Photographer Noel Latham shares some of her photos that she captured during the event in downtown Canton, which drew over 30,000 people.

While the main attraction is the chance for people to see the newly inducted Pro
football Hall of fame class prior to their moment of glory, which
this year was Dermotti Dawson, Curtis Martin, Jack Butler, Chris
Doleman, Cortez Kennedy and Willie Roaf, there were also numerous of
other former players whose busts are enshrined in the HOF that also
ride.

Names from the past, such as Earl Campbell, Len Dawson, Lynn Swann and Joe Greene sat in the back of vintage vehicles and waved to the crowd. While they all
were in a festive spirit and waved and smiled to the crowds, it
seemed that former Kansas City Chief Willie Lanier had the best time
as he chatted with as many people as he could during and before his
ride down the route.

People began lining thestreets hours prior to the event, which began at 8 am, with lawn chairs, lounge chairs and cushions. There are also sections fans can
reserve along the entire route with chairs.

“We come to this parade every year,” Chris Naughton and his brother Matt, who
traveled from Pittsburgh said, as at least 25 of his family members
lined the front row of the street. “ We represent Steeler nation
well. This is fun.”

Fun indeed as there were clowns, numerous floats including a Smurf, and a number of marching bands that brought smiles to young and old.

You also heard the term spin throughout the route, as fans wanted float holders to adhere to their command, with a giant sized beaver getting most of the
attention. One, a dragon, nearly floated away, as the group when they
tried to do so, nearly lost control of the inflatable when winds
caught it between a side street.e, tooting its horn, and seemed to
touch the hearts of the little ones who got the chance to be a part
of it.

Perhaps the most touching though of all, was Thomas the Train, which was filled with special wish kids. It twisted and turned throughout the route.