Saturday dawned with threatening clouds in the west, but there would be no repeat of last year’s mid-afternoon deluge to spoil the day, as gray skies gave way to partly cloudy, a perfect day to spend watching a parade and seeing old friends.

Every five-year Marion High School graduating class from 1947 onward had a presence in the parade.

While Marion and Peabody-Burns bands sounded great, a resurgent Rube Band, the largest and most colorful in recent years, stole the show with a robust and recognizable version of “Show Boy.”

A common remark among the hundreds lined up at the Marion Kiwanis Club food tent was that the crowd seemed larger this year, although there was no official estimate of attendance.

A good contingent stayed for games in the park, an excellent concert by Marion High School band, and class introductions. Afterward, most reunion classes gathered for dinners and socializing.