Resident of Boston's biggest neighborhood celebrated Dorchester's proud history and community Sunday at the 119th annual Dorchester Day Parade.
"Happy Dot Day!" hollered 9-year-old Damien, standing with his family as a marching band blared their way under the giant American flag hanging between two fire trucks nearby.
The energy was lively and loud along Dorchester Avenue as the annual parade marched 3.2 miles through the neighborhood on a windy Sunday afternoon. The parade, held every year on the first Sunday in June, kicked off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Lower Mills at the Washington Street intersection and wrapped up at Savin Hill.
Dorchester Day, or Dot Day, marks the founding of the neighborhood in 1630, the same point Boston itself was founded. The town was annexed by Boston in 1870 and remains the largest neighborhood in the city.
"We're happy to be here -- it's a great neighborhood," said Sarah Lyons, standing near a lawn sign reading, "Take care of your community and your community will take care of you."
"Dot Day is all about pulling the neighborhood and all of us together," Lyons said. "It's a reason to get outside on a day like this."
The parade Sunday featured a wide representation of the community, from Little League baseball players handing out blue and white clappers around the Boston Home, to local advocates toting a giant "We won't be displaced. Dot not for sale" banner, to young martial artists slicing scythes through the air.
Campaign season was also pronounced among the festivities Sunday, with representatives from the Wu and Kraft mayoral campaigns and city council candidates out speaking to voters along the route.
"We love the parade," said Dorchester resident Candice Bennett. "I've been coming out for this for years, and I'll be right back here next year."