BLOOMINGTON - Logan Jaynes was treated to quite a show. Illinois State University baton twirlers tossed their batons. The pom squad showed off their dance moves. | Photo Gallery

The color guard spun their flags, and the marching band played to the tune of "Sweet Caroline."

The performance was part of the annual Labor Day Parade Monday in downtown Bloomington, which included 80 groups this year - performers, politicians and union members, many of whom also provided candy to excited children. The parade was just one way Twin City residents celebrated the three-day weekend.

The event also was 18-month-old Logan's first Labor Day parade, said dad Chris Jaynes of Bloomington. He and wife Holly joined Holly's sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Sean Denekas of Bloomington, and their 2-year-old son, Nick Denekas.

"He loves it. He loves all the characters, the bands," Chris Jaynes said. "He points and claps at everything. He's just mesmerized."

Performers are happy to please, too.

"It's cool, just stopping and playing for everyone," said Steven Blass, a senior at Normal Community West High School who plays the trumpet for the marching band. "Everyone claps. They like to hear you play."

In addition to music performances, gymnasts and cheerleaders also displayed their skills for the crowd's amusement.

Veronica Snow, 10, of Bloomington, is a member of competitive cheer team Cougar All-Star at Gymnastics Ect. in Bloomington. The cheerleaders performed such stunts as Veronica's favorite, the basket toss, and threw candy to the crowd.

"I think it's fun," Veronica said.

Children along the parade route also thought it was fun to be on the receiving end of the candy-throwing.

Various laborer groups tossed candy along Front Street, where Mikayla Fairfield, 7, and Mitch Fairfield, 10, sat with their friends Molly Mook, 7, and Jackson Bronke, 10.

They hurried to gather the plethora of laffy taffy candies, lifesavers and suckers in front of them.

"Of course, the kids call it the candy parade," said Kristy Fairfield of Normal, who comes to the parade with husband Jim and the children every year.

Besides at the parade, Bloomington-Normal was crowded with picnic-goers and swimmers at area parks.

Paul Krogmeier of Congerville and Kristen Mooberry of Normal enjoyed the summer day with a picnic, a game of Frisbee and a walk around Fairview Park in Normal.

The recently engaged couple enjoyed their turkey sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies and then hung out in the quieter area of the park.

The hordes of people there were at Fairview Family Aquatic Center, taking advantage of the last day the pool was open for the season.

That's where Riley Madix, 8, was headed with her sister, 5-year-old Mackie, and parents Stephanie and Mike Madix of Bloomington

And for obvious reasons.

"It's hot," Riley said.