The Starlight Parade lit up downtown Portland Saturday night, and thousands of people showed up to watch the lights at the Rose Festival tradition.
People arrived hours before the parade even started, first watching the "Starlight Run," which uses the same path as the parade route.
Both those taking part in the run and spectators just there to watch the parade say it's a Portland tradition they would never miss.
"It's inspiring. High-fiving all the kids on the run, it's awesome," said Robin Welch.
"I like lights. Lights and music, I'm just fascinated with. I'm here for a good time," said Adteise Broadous, who was watching the parade.
Portland Police officials said they assigned fewer officers this year. It used to be over 400 officers working at the parade, but this year the bureau didn't have enough staff to cover all the 911 calls.
Attendees told KATU they do feel safe overall coming out and being downtown for the nighttime parade.
"I feel pretty safe. Everyone seems to be pretty chill today," said Broadous.
"It feels really good to be down here. We all have concerns but we're just happy to be down here celebrating our beautiful city that we're all proud of," said Melissa Jacobson, a Starlight Runner.
The parade has been a festival tradition since the early 1900s.