CEDAR FALLS - A year after the Sturgis Falls celebration was scaled back severely because of the flood aftermath, the 2009 version got off to a roaring start.

Good weather made for big crowds at Friday night events.

On Saturday, earlier rain predictions may have led to a late turnout for the parade, but by the 10 a.m. start, lawn chairs were lined up several rows deep throughout the route.

The parade offered much to bolster the "Dancing in the Streets" theme of this year's Sturgis Falls Celebration.

There were the Cedar Falls Dance Team showing off their moves, the Jazzercise group doing their thing, The Waterloo Community Playhouse bopping around to High School Musical numbers and the Lampost Theatre using props in an elaborate dance.

But dancing wasn't confined to those marching on the parade route. Many along the route joined in the fun, particularly the young.

Lily Glascock, 2, loved the music.

"She danced the whole time," said her father, Matt.

The Lord's Warriors from Mount Carmel Baptist Church delighted nearly everyone with its booming drums and contagious rhythms.

Church Mother Ella Thomas watched from along the route instead of joining in on this parade. The group is busy at parades most summer weekends.

"We go so many places. We really enjoy it," Thomas said.

Once the parade finished, the Glascocks headed straight for the Overman Park food vendors and Matt Glascock's favorite: ribs from Mount Carmel Baptist Church.

"I like to be covered head to toe in barbeque sauce. I'm well on my way to it," he joked as the family waited for entertainment to start on the main stage and for the kids' tent to get rolling.

The 88-unit parade had much to offer, so much that 5-year-old Emma Hopper and her friend, 6-year-old Sadie Oaks, couldn't decide on their favorite.

"I like the singing and guitar," said Hopper.

"I like the horses," chipped in Oaks.

"Me too," Hopper said, not to be outdone.

Oaks finally settled on the best, "everything."

Among the crowd pleasers were llamas doing the limbo, eight John Deere tractors, any type of music and Gary Kroeger's running commentary from the main reviewing stand. The former Saturday Night Live troop member and incurable ham alternated between ribbing crowd goers and participants alike, while encouraging all.

Toward the end of the parade he took a shot at Sturgis Falls President Jay Stoddard's wardrobe, particularly his signature hat.

"Give it up for Jay, year after year he dresses like the embargo over Cuba has been lifted," Kroeger joked.