SAN ANTONIO - One of the most anticipated parades of the year kicked off Friday afternoon to the sounds of cheering crowds.
Bands, floats and classic cars were among the 200 parade entries. The day is one a particular group of ladies have been waiting for.
“I am so excited. It is so much fun to see a year's worth of work come together,” said Susan Altgelt. Altgelt is the Battle of Flowers parade chair and says the event is a chance to continue a tradition that's more than a century old.
About two hundred volunteers put on the event. It is the only parade in the country produced by women. Volunteers say the work pays off.
“I love it when all the floats get here and the kids get here,” said Debbie McCollough. “My mother-in-law was in Battle of Flowers. It’s just the history of all of us getting to work together. It’s just fun.”
From the organizers to the participants, being part of the Battle of Flowers parade is a must for many families.
The Gonzalez family rides horses in the parade as representatives of the San Antonio Charro Association.
“It’s an honor. It’s a tradition. It's all about San Antonio,” said Victor Gonzalez. His daughter is here for another year.
“She's going to ride with her uncle and my niece today. So it's really an extended family event,” he said.
“It's a really cool experience seeing everybody,” said Victor’s daughter Anais Gonzalez who added the payoff is seeing the smiling faces along the route. Organizers say more than 350,000 line the parade route every year.
“I came every year since I was a little girl. This is actually their first year coming,” said Angela Vergara. “I wanted them to finally experience it and see what it’s all about,” she added.
Whether attending of participating, just being there is enough.