The 65th Annual Three Rivers Water Festival got underway Thursday, and while food vendors, the Sue Silliman House, and the Carnival Midway were frequented by many in the hours before, the unofficial start of the annual event is often marked by the Water Festival Parade. Thursday was no different.

Folks lined Main Street and West Michigan Avenue with their lawn chairs and summer attire, braving 90 degree heat to partake in a time honored Three Rivers tradition that certainly didn’t disappoint. Relive last night’s festivities with this photo gallery composed and curated by Watershed Voice‘s Deborah Haak-Frost.

Deborah Haak-Frost is the Caretaker for Community Engagement at GilChrist Retreat Center in Three Rivers, and volunteers with *culture is not optional, a Three Rivers-based community development organization.

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.