PHOTOS: Parade Kicks Off West Hempstead Homecoming

The excitement of Saturday's homecoming game in West Hempstead started hours before kick-off.

Students from Kindergarten to the "super seniors", community members from the merchants to the civic, and school officials from West Hempstead and Island Park all showed off their Ram pride during a festive parade through the streets.

They started at Chestnut Street School and worked their way toward the high school, marching to the beat of school bands, the cheers of the Rams and Broncos cheerleaders and the sirens of local fire engines.

The high school students also proudly displayed the movie-themed floats they crafted, impressive models that paid homage to Dr. Seuss, the Jetsons, Monsters, Inc. and Superman and Batman.

The parade ended at West Hempstead High School, where kids enjoyed a carnival with rides, games and facepainting, and the Rams were getting ready to take on Mineola in what would be a thrilling day of football. for the game story and photos.

Scroll through the gallery above to see photos of the homecoming parade and other festivities.