RELATED:Grand Old Day back on this year

That was followed by outcry from the community, with many hoping to see the 46-year tradition continue. A grassroots group of supporters formed a substitute event, called Grand Old Day Anyway. Less than a week later, festival organizers announced the full festival would be back on, thanks to a sudden surge in volunteers and logistical support.

"We are very excited,” said Keith Faulken of St. Paul, who attended the parade with his family Sunday morning. “It’s a family gathering for all of us. We love coming to the parade."

An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and all sorts of family activities. An estimated 200,000 people flocked to St. Paul to enjoy the annual Grand Old Day celebration Sunday, enjoying great weather and sorts of family activities. Previous Next

The streets were packed for the Grand Old Day Parade, with many happy to see their "unofficial kick-off to summer" continue.

"We're the next generation of it,” said Ashley Kreisman, “bringing our kids and participating in all of the activities for children."

The one-day festival also tends to be a big boost for businesses along Grand Avenue, with thousands of people visiting local shops and restaurants.

"There’s always that risk when something just happens year after year after year, people maybe forget to realize how much work and effort and sponsorship and community involvement has to go into it,” said Laurie Crowell, owner of Golden Fig Fine Foods on Grand Avenue. “I think maybe this was a reminder to everyone that, hey, we all need to be involved to keep the things we love going."

Organizers have said profits from the festival have not been keeping up with costs over the past few years and they are still working to keep the event viable in 2020.

