Thousands of people lined the streets of Ballard last Saturday to enjoy the Syttende Mai parade.

"I love the people, the pageantry and the camaraderie and the flags," said Erlene Steveson from the Edmonds Lodge No.

130 Sons of Norway.

The parade was delayed one hour due to a permit problem but people did not seem to mind, since this is the Scandinavian community's biggest celebration of the year and the parade is the largest of its kind in the United States.

For many people who dressed in traditional outfits it's one big reunion.

"Many lodges make it a point to come in and see each other," said Lorna Turcott.

Parades are also fun. Doug Dixon, general manager of Pacific Fisherman, wore his Viking hat to the event and grilled hot dogs for the Ballard High School Maritime Academy students and anyone else who asked.

"I watch the Ballard Maritime kids go through their routine with the survival suits. I keep them fed," said Dixon.

Kay Schertzl brought her Norwegian Buhund dog, just like she does every year.

The Buhond is a working dog in Norway, herding sheep or cattle.

"They love people, especially the kids. Like Norwegians, they can be stubborn," said Schertzl.

The Ballard Masonic Lodge brought a unique boat to the parade.

The boat rocks up and down with a dragonhead at the front. The head swivels and the eyes flash.

"This is probably the most complicated boat in the parade," said Masonic lodge member Errol Scott.

Children and adults waved Norwegian flags and cheered for their favorite parade entries.

The weather, in the mid-80s, was the warmest in recent years. It was also the first Saturday, May 17 parade in a while.