Among the things Danny Martinez was thankful for after watching his fourth consecutive H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in Houston was a glimpse of pure evil.

“There’s Darth Vader,” Martinez, 8, screamed at his father.

Led by a contingent of Star Wars heroes and villains, Vader’s appearance was one of many along the downtown parade route, lined with thousands to celebrate the holiday. After a contentious political election season, Houston organizers also kicked off a new parade tradition: a crowd sing-along of "What the World Needs Now Is Love.” Volunteers also passed through the crowd, handing out American flags.

The parade, a staple of Houston’s holiday season kickoff, is in its 67th year. Olympic gold medal winners and area natives Simone Biles and Simone Manuel were the grand marshals, leading off the festivities.

For Rudy Baker and his wife Sandra, it was their first Thanksgiving parade here. Baker, 45, moved to the Houston area last year to help with his brother’s expanding catering business.

“This is great,” he said, as he walked away from the parade. “Really nice to see everyone come together.”

For others, the parade is a tradition passed to children. Crystal Santillan, 25, brought her son, Adam Rincon, 2, to watch. For her, it was a fresh vantage point following her high school years marching with the Raul Yzaguirre School for Success dance team.

Santillan noted the route has become smaller since her days.

“I’m looking around and thinking ‘Man, they’ve got it easy,’” she said.

Both being in and watching the parade can be fun, she said. While viewing it lets you hang back and enjoy, there is a rush marching in it in the center of the action.

“It’s fun,” she said. “Everyone is pumping you up.”