WILLIAMSPORT -- Williamsport is ready to welcome the world. The 12th annual Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade kicked off Wednesday afternoon.
People from all over the world have been making their way to Williamsport to celebrate the start of the Little League World Series.
Preparing to welcome nearly 40,000 people doesn't just happen overnight.
Grady Walker of Williamsport has one word describe the Little League Grand Slam Parade: humongous.
When you take a look down West Fourth Street, you might understand why.
"You get to see people from all walks of life, from all over the world," Walker said.
This year, the parade started about a half hour earlier. Organizers say there will be fewer marchers, so players can get back to the Little League complex earlier and get some rest before the big games.
However, the city did expect about 40,000 people to show up, so there's little room for anything besides baseball downtown.
"Sometimes I set up a chair if I can get a spot. You have to get here early though,” added Walker.
“I never seen so many chairs. They’re just all over the place," said Romaine Showers of Williamsport.
Showers has been waiting for the parade since around 10 a.m.
"(I) love the parade. I just love the floats, the vans, the music. I'm just cheering on. By the time I got home, I get hoarse," said Showers.
Francis Ciccarelli sells hot dogs outside his business "Clothier" right on the parade route. He says his sales don't benefit much from the parade. He joins in on the celebration for a different reason.
"It's for the kids. It's really for the children, the kids and everything," said Ciccarelli.
Portions of West Fourth Street will be blocked off for part of the evening as the parade rolls through.
The Little League World Series begins Thursday in South Williamsport and is scheduled to run through the championship game on Sunday, August 28.
For game schedules and results, team rosters, and more click here.
