NORTH WASHINGTON — Bonnie Wilson of Concord Township has attended the North Washington Rodeo Parade since 1962, when she marched with the volunteer fire department’s Flames and Flickers Majorette Corp.

Although her granddaughter, Amber Angert, 15, of Karns City last marched in the 2015 parade, Wilson maintained the tradition of watching the annual event Monday night.

“We come every year,” she said.

Wilson said the parade is about the children performing and marching.

“When you see one fire truck, you’ve seen them all,” she said.

The parade, which processes up Fairview Road, kicked off the festivities for the rodeo.

Along with the fire trucks from North Washington and surrounding departments, the children’s groups, horseback riders, a 1929 Pontiac and trailer with zombies among hay bales proceeded up the street, which was lined with dozens of spectators.

Like many parents, Tammy Johnson of Clay Township was at the parade with her son, Trey, 10, to watch her daughter, Isabella, 11, march.

Isabella was among the Moniteau junior cheerleaders.

“It is nice to see them all together,” Johnson said about the various age groups participating.

She said the parade brings people together.

“It’s good for the community,” Johnson said.

Michelle Thompson of Concord Township came with her husband, Shawn, and children, Matt, 15, and Alyssa, 7.

Thompson agreed the parade is about the children.

“Just watching the kids have fun,” she said.

Along with those continuing tradition by watching the parade, there were newcomers to the parade as well.

Bridgette Collins of Venango Township brought daughter Madison, 5, to watch big sister, Rosemary, 14, march.

“This is our first year,” Collins said.

Miranda Brandon, 14, a freshman at Slippery Rock High School, started the event by singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The Parker Color Guard led the procession.

The Moniteau High School softball and track teams rode by first, followed by the rodeo queen and rodeo clown.

This year’s presidential race interjected itself into the parade with a large artificial elephant adorned with the sign “Trumpet for Trump.”

The Harvest Community Church, Petrolia Valley Campus, brought performers who used metal trash can lids as cymbals.

The rodeo starts today at 8 p.m. at the North Washington Rodeo Arena on Route 38.