The Saxonburg police lead the Saxonburg Fireman’s Parade on Main Street, Thursday evening, June 29. The parade returned after a hiatus. Laura Welsh/Special to the Eagle

SAXONBURG — A nearly century-old Saxonburg tradition, the Saxonburg VFC Fireman’s Parade, returned Thursday night, June 29, after an absence of three years, and Saxonburg residents turned out in droves to see what the fire department proclaims to be “the largest fireman’s parade east of the Mississippi.”

“It’s good to have it back, since we didn’t have it for a couple of years,” said parade-goer Jim Yurisic. “It’s nice to have it back for the community.”

Hundreds of Saxonburgers braved the smoggy conditions and lined the parade route, standing three- or four-deep to catch candy thrown from the parade floats and vehicles.

“This is the best part right here ... the Tootsie Rolls,” Yurisic said.