POST FALLS - When he wasn't busy waving to parade celebrities, 4-year-old Aiden Hanning collected as much candy as his little hands could gather and piled it on a camping chair.

He looked up at his family and smiled, content with his fare of Tootsie Rolls and lollipops thrown from the floats and vehicles of the Post Falls Festival Parade.

"I love it," the Post Falls youngster said Saturday morning, a bright pink piece of Bazooka bubble gum in his cheek. He said he especially liked the racecars.

"It's nice to see friends and neighbors getting out away from TV," said Aiden's grandma, Colleen Flaherty of Rathdrum. "I love the good representation of the military."

It was finally a cool, rainy morning as countless spectators lined the sidewalks of Seltice Way to watch nearly 60 entries march east from Frederick Street to Idaho Street. The parade was emceed by brothers Clay and James Ownbey, long-time River City residents.

"We both grew up here, we both graduated from Post Falls High School, been involved in the community ever since we were kids," Clay said. "We love doing it. We love seeing new entries; there were a lot of new entries this year. It's awesome for us to get together and everybody comes down. There are a lot of people that we see sporadically throughout the year, but everybody seems to be here on Post Falls Festival Parade Day. I always have a good time doing it."

He said tossing candy from the floats is somewhat unique to Post Falls.

"This is one of the only parades still in the nation that we're allowed to throw candy out," Clay said.

Parade entries included River City Animal Hospital, Garden Plaza, the Post Falls Distinguished Young Woman and runners-up, the Post Falls High School class of 1975, flashy and old-school cars presented by Dixie Services, several veterans organizations, the Hot Punch Highlander bagpipe band, Post Falls city councilors as well as Mayor Ron Jacobson, MH Motorsports and racecars from the Stateline Speedway Roadrunners, a Silver Cup hydroplane display and many more.

"It's a lot of fun," said Brian Earp of Post Falls. He drove an Army-green World War II GMC troop carrier called the "Sweetpea" for River City Paint and Decorating. "We try and get involved and do stuff. It's another opportunity to get the vehicle out, you know, have fun and let people see it."

On a heavier note, the memories of two beloved community members were honored. The parade was led by law enforcement officers carrying a massive American flag to honor Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Greg Moore, and Scott Shawver's Auto Body & RV paid homage to the memory of one of Post Falls' most well-known residents.

"The last parade was pretty emotional, I wasn't really prepared for the support the community showed for us," said Shawver's sister, Tracy Christopherson. "We're just trying to show our support for the community by being here."

The day's festivities continued with activities throughout town, including a car show and shine at Calvary Lutheran Church, an open house at the fire station on Idaho Street, the Post Falls Lions Haunted House opening its doors for a mid-July scare, stock car races at Stateline Speedway and lots to do in Q'emiln Park.

Shay McOmber, 14, of Post Falls, went to the park after the parade and received a free T-shirt from the parks department.

"I really like the jewelry stuff," she said while wandering through the merchants. "It's fun. I see a lot of people I know."

Skylee Phillips, 10, of Post Falls, said her favorite part of the festival was having room to roam while remaining within parental supervision.

"It's good," she said. "I like looking around."

Post Falls Parks and Recreation worked with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, police and fire departments to organize the festival, which began Thursday and continues with community worship at the Grand Pavilion in Q'emiln at 10 a.m. today followed by inflatable playlands, food vendors, activities, live music and a beer garden throughout the park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.