LOWELL | Dancing to the beat of the music, 2-year old Alik Huffnagle, of Cedar Lake, clapped as the Hanover Central Marching Band passed by.

Slideshow: Labor Day in Northwest Indiana.

The child was continuing a family tradition, his mother Amanda Huffnagle said.

"We came here every year when we were little," she said of the Lowell Labor Day Parade.

Monday's parade marked the 89th year for the parade, which began as a homecoming welcome for returning World War I veterans. The parade marshals were Marge Beier and Betty Wietbrock, of The Davis Store, which recently closed after 129 years in business.

People lined the parade route, Ind. 2 as it goes through Lowell, enjoying a sun-kissed day.

Dawn Calvert, of Rensselaer, said she remembers coming to the parade as a child.

That's why her daughter Ashley Calvert, 5, and friend Alivia Lakin, 6, also of Rensselaer, were watching the parade in rapt attention.

"The candy is the best," the duo cried.

While Shriners on motorcycles and other vehicles thrilled the crowd, the always popular Mi Ranchito entry charmed paradegoers with its dancing horses and dancing young men and women.

Matt Czaszewicz, Alec Evans and Dakota Ross, all of Lowell, did some dancing of their own as the award-winning Lowell High School Dance Team went by.

And, Jerry Cramer, 4, of Schneider, was dancing for joy as the Batmobile and the Caped Crusader came into view.

The Buckley Homestead entry drew giggles and appreciative applause as it passed. The walking cornfield -- with four feet showing underneath -- carried a sign, "Are we there yet?" to draw attention to the county park's corn maze.

Likewise, the Munster Fire Department was a hit when it sprayed welcome water on parade watchers as the truck passed.

"I wanted them to do it," 5-year-old Andrew Chandler, of Portage, said after he was soaked. "It's hot out."

Operating Engineers 150 operated a mini-crane for its entry, dumping batches of candy into the street to the delight of children.

Other popular entries included God's Love Boat and children's choo-choo from the Lowell Church of Christ, a strolling sax man from Hometown Music, and the Patriot Guard motorcyle unit.

The day closed out with arts and crafts, a food festival and live entertainment on the grounds of American Legion Post 101.