Celebrating Allston Brighton, rats and all

Residents of Allston and Brighton came out on a cool, clear fall day to celebrate their community with the annual Sunday Neighborhood Parade.

“We have great music, great food and great people here,” said Jeremy Collins, a three-year resident, as Rat City Arts Festival marchers handed out rat warning stickers. “I loved living in this neighborhood, even among the rats.”

On Sunday, neighbors gathered in droves to watch the parade pass from Union Square in Allston through Brighton Center to Oak Square. The 41st annual parade began at 1 p.m

It was preceded by the annual Brian Honan 5K in Allston and followed by a three-hour raucous “Party in the Park” at Hardiman “Tar” Park at the end of the parade route in Oak Square.

The parade was led by Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilwoman Liz Breadon and others. The celebration filled the streets with a long list of marchers, including high school and college marching bands and cheerleaders, characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow and Elsa, floats dressed to resemble dogs, and many community groups and figures.