U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd once called children, “Our greatest asset and our most precious treasure.” And despite weather that turned cold and blustery, that sentiment was reflected by Big Rapids at Thursday's annual Children's Parade down Michigan Avenue. Parade organizer LouAnn Gregory says there's always a good turnout.

“It might be a lower turnout due to the weather, but in the past we've had anywhere from 900 to 1200.”

One resident along the parade route summed up the reason many were in attendance.

“To see my grandchildren,” he said.

Although many children said they were happy to get out of school for the parade, most were glad to get back on their buses after the half mile walk down Michigan Avenue.