Overcast skies and the threat of freezing rain couldn't keep thousands of Ottawa football fans away from Tuesday's Grey Cup parade, the first this city has seen in 40 years. The crowd gave Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris and the rest of the 2016 CFL champions a warm welcome as they rolled down Bank Street on their way to Lansdowne Park, memories of Sunday's heart-stopping final against Calgary still fresh in the collective memory of R-Nation.

Confetti rains down on the crowd gathered at Lansdowne Park to welcome the Ottawa Redblacks home with the Grey Cup Tuesday. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Quarterback Henry Burris was clearly enjoying himself at the post-parade rally Tuesday. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris, on crutches since sustaining an injury on Sunday, smiles at the crowd gathered at Lansdowne Park to see the Grey Cup. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

R-Nation turned out by the thousands to welcome the Redblacks home Tuesday. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

It was smiles all around for young football fans lining the parade route. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

The Redblacks Cheer Team was also on hand to welcome the Grey Cup back to Ottawa. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

The Sons of Scotland pipe band led the parade down Bank Street. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Several Glebe schools allowed students to take a break from classes to celebrate with the Redblacks. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Quarterback Henry Burris, who hasn't said whether or not he'll be back next year, gives Redblacks fans his trademark grin and a thumbs-up. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Many families took time off school and work to attend the parade. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks offensive lineman Jon Gott lowers the Grey Cup to let fans touch it as he passes by. (Stu Mills/CBC)

Along with the cheering, the ringing of Redblacks cow bells filled the air along the parade route. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks mascot Big Joe high fives fans lined up along Bank Street. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Fans greet the champions as the Redblacks roll by on their way to Lansdowne Park. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Football fans cheer outside TD Place, home of the 2016 Grey Cup champions. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Punter Ronnie Pfeffer celebrates with teammates as the Grey Cup parade nears Lansdowne Park. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks linebacker Kevin Jackson looks happy to be bringing the Grey Cup home to Ottawa. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Defensive back Jean-Philippe Bolduc knows who's No. 1. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Fans fill Exhibition Way at Lansdowne Park, waiting for the Grey Cup to arrive. Some couldn't resist taking a final poke at the Calgary Stampeders, favoured by most to win the CFL championship. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks player William Powell greets the crowd gathered at Lansdowne Park. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Redblacks player Arnaud Gascon-Nadon celebrates with champagne as the Grey Cup arrives at Lansdowne Park. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

A member of the Algonquin College Loggersports team slices off a 'cookie' from a log to be presented to one of the Redblacks players. The wood-cutting ritual was banned by the CFL during Sunday's championship game. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

Grey Cup hero Ernest Jackson holds his 'cookie' aloft at Tuesday's rally at Lansdowne Park. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)