NORWOOD — It doesn't get any more all-American than the village's annual Independence Day parade.

With sunny skies, families lining the streets and a long line of floats, this is what you think of when you think of the Fourth of July.

Norwood's celebration drew thousands of families this year, as well as more parade participants than ever.

"It's a very nice turnout. The weather's perfect, it's a beautiful weekend and we couldn't ask for more," said Timothy S. Donahue, past chief of the Norwood Fire Department, which sponsors the event.

Almost 70 groups paraded this year; up from only 22 participants a few years ago, Mr. Donahue said.

In addition to 20 floats, 15 fire companies and three marching bands, civic groups, businesses and veterans organizations participated.

Crowd favorites included the float from Angel Knoll Farm in Waddington, which featured wool-weaving wo-men followed by three fluffy alpacas wearing American flag bandannas.

Cries of "They're so cute!" and "Mom, I want one!" went up from the children in the crowd as the mild-mannered creatures passed by.

Norwood's renowned Brass Firemen drew applause as they played the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and the Knights of Columbus of St. Andrew's Catholic Church impressed the crowd with a scale replica of their church.

"I'd like to ask the adults here today to salute as the flag goes by so we can teach our children what to do when you see the flag," said John Wolf, who emceed the day's events.

As the parade turned the corner, headed toward the Firemen's Field Day events on Morgan Street, the crowd followed.

"Field days for a lot of fire departments are going on the downside for the last few years, but ours has remained our number one fundraiser," Mr. Donahue said.

Performances by Antwerp's Original Yanks Drum & Bugle Corps and the River Rat Rhythm Project steel drum band kicked off the field day, which included lawnmower races and ox-cart rides.

As crowds dispersed for family barbecues, Mr. Donahue looked forward to the fireworks display, which also was slated to be bigger than ever this year.

"Somebody once said, just when you think it's over, it keeps going," he said.