Year after year there is one activity that brings Akwesasne residents out of their homes to enjoy being outdoors after a long North Country winter. The annual Akwesasne Memorial Day Parade is truly a community event, with participants ranging from politicians to athletes to car enthusiasts.

Elders from Iakhihsohtha had front row seats to watch the parade.

On Sunday, near-80 degree weather and sunshine provided the perfect setting for a parade. Community members lined the streets and parking lots from the four corners in Hogansburg down to the American Legion.

This year’s parade featured a number of old-fashioned cars, sports teams and business-sponsored floats. They waved, they beeped, and they threw candy.

When the procession was complete a service was held at the American Legion honoring fallen soldiers and veterans in a somber ceremony that is tradition.

After paying their respects, community members had feasts of food to eat at different locations around Akwesasne.

The celebration lasted well into the night as NAMMY-winning group Corn-bred was in town performing.