WATCH: You can’t rain on our 2015 K-Days Parade!

WATCH ABOVE: In case you missed it, here is the full K-Days Parade from downtown Edmonton hosted by Kent Morrison, Nancy Carlson and Mike Sobel.

EDMONTON — On Friday, July 17, about 130 floats and other entries weaved their way through downtown Edmonton to kick off K-Days.

It was a bit rainy, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from lining the streets to see the floats, loveable mascots, performers, music, giveaways and many more surprises.

“Look at the diversity in the crowd,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “People from all corners of our city and region come out to honour our heroes who are in the parade with us here today. Edmontonians are undeterred. It’s always a pleasure to be in the parade.”

“We need the rain, this is good,” Iveson added. “Tim Reid, the CEO of Northlands, reminded us all this morning that Northlands is an agricultural society and the farmers are going to be happy for the rain, the gardeners will be happy for the rain, my lawn will be happy for the rain, it’s all good.”

Global News aired the K-Days Parade on TV on Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The special broadcast aired on Global Edmonton, Global Calgary and Global Lethbridge. We also livestreamed the parade on our website and will be posting video of the event in its entirety online.

Iveson previously announced the day of the parade, July 17, was proclaimed Edmonton Heroes’ Day.

In addition, local first responders were chosen to be this year’s K-Days Parade Marshals. They’ll include: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “K” Division, Alberta Sheriffs, Edmonton Police Service, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, Edmonton Emergency Medical Services and Peace Officers.

Six local heroes – nominated by Edmontonians for their work in the community –  also served as honorary parade marshals.

You can get all the behind-the-scenes action on our live blog here:

The K-Days Parade followed a new route this year, in order to accommodate construction in the downtown core. All the action began at 10 a.m. The parade wound its way from 106 Street and 102 Avenue, looped around 100 Street, then made its way back down 103 Avenue to 106 Street.

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“We’ve historically chased a celebrity and we thought those dollars were better spent here in the City of Edmonton, using those to celebrate our local heroes as well as contribute back to charitable organizations and celebrate those who keep us safe every day,” said Tim Reid, President & CEO of Northlands.

READ MORE: Meet the local heroes who are honorary K-Days Parade Marshals 

“This year’s K-Days Parade is dedicated to honoring and thanking the heroes that touch the lives of our community each and every day,” he added.

Parade attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favourite hero when they come to cheer on the first responders and everyday heroes on Friday.

The K-Days Parade is a tradition that dates back to 1903; it has been an integral part of the festival since 1910. Back then, the parade was used to promote Edmonton’s fair. Today, it honours tradition and brings Edmontonians together. The parade is the opening ceremony of sorts for the K-Days Festival.