A family-friendly event

By Catherine Cloutier, Boston.com Staff

In recent years, parade organizers have tried to make the event more kid-friendly, said Wuschke, incorporating “family zones,” or sober places to watch the parade.

The parade organizers have also worked to draw new bands and attractions to diversify the paradegoers’ experience.

“It’s been a great parade every year,” said Wuschke. “It takes a lot of work, but we’ve got a great group of parade officials who come back every year and volunteer.”