Columbus and Phenix City residents came together Saturday morning for the 5th annual Tri-City Latino Parade, a Hispanic Heritage Month tradition hosted by the Tri-City Latino Association.

The parade kicked off at Dillingham and Broad Street in Phenix City, crossed the 13th Street bridge into Columbus, and made its way down Broadway before ending at 9th Street.

Nearly 44 organizations took part, including law enforcement, marching bands and local businesses, as crowds lined both sides of the state line to watch. Some residents caught the parade from their balconies and cars rather than the street, including families watching from the Currents at Riverfront Place. An ice cream truck marching in the parade also drew a crowd, handing out free ice cream and sweet treats to attendees along the bridge.

"This is for everybody"

Kathy Rosado, board secretary of the Tri-City Latino Association, said the parade has always been meant to include the whole community, not just Latino residents.

"This is for everybody. It's not only specific to the Hispanics but we want everybody to enjoy what we enjoy," Rosado said. "Even if they were not Latino, they came and they represented and supported the Latino community and that really means a lot to us. Too much. It says a lot of how much support they have with the Latin community."

Rosado said this year's turnout stood out.

"We're just happy. We're just happy with the results. I think it is one of the biggest parades we've ever done and I think people are happy," she said. "We tried and make sure that everything we're doing is giving back to the community and that we were recognizing that this is part of what we do for the Hispanic Heritage Month."

The parade builds on other Hispanic Heritage Month events held in Columbus this month celebrating the culture, history and contributions of the Latino community.