The threat of rain held off as families and community members turned out for Potomac Day events in Potomac Village Saturday.
"It was a little scary there at the very, very beginning," said Potomac Chamber of Commerce President Andrea Alderdice of the weather. But no rain fell and the sun seemed always on the verge of appearing from behind the cloud cover as attendees enjoyed warm weather.
One hundred and thirty area residents joined in the annual Potomac Day 5K run in the early morning and then parents and children lined the streets for the 10:30 a.m. parade, which featured Boy and Girl Scout troops, community groups, local businesses, elected officials and Chamber of Commerce award winners.
"I thought it turned out wonderfully," Alderdice said, "thanks to the generous volunteers. From the monitors--the guys in the orange vests--the police, everyone that came out and supported us and took a part in making it happen."
Campaign signs, stickers and buttons were particularly prevalent as the event took place three days before the presidential election. But for most in attendance, the event was simply Potomac's only community-wide gathering restored to its former glory.
The event was canceled for the first time ever in 2002 due to the Washington area sniper attacks. Some say last year's event suffered from momentum lost due to the 2002 cancellation. But this year families enjoyed food, music, rides and attractions without the security concerns of recent years.
"I think it was the biggest year ever," Alderdice said. "Everyone was very enthusiastic and very pleasant. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time."