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Books were the binding theme of Palo Alto's 89th annual May Fete Children's Parade, which rolled through downtown Palo Alto Saturday morning (May 7). The parade down University Avenue featured group floats, marching bands, martial-arts demonstrations and scores of costumed kids.

The parade started at the corner of Emerson Street and University Avenue and traveled down University, turned right onto Webster Street and ended at Addison Elementary School.

The theme for this year's parade was "Books are Hidden Treasures -- Dig In!" and was chosen to reflect the Developmental Assets program recently adopted by the city to support healthy youth development. Reading for pleasure is one of the featured assets.

The grand marshals of this year's parade were a group of 15 elementary students -- named the "Palo Alto Reading Stars" -- selected by elementary school and Children's Library staff for either their enthusiasm for reading or for their progress in reading skills, according to Minka van der Zwaag, from Palo Alto's Office of Human Services.

"We want to honor those children who have a love of reading or who've made great strides and give them a real boost," she said.

Photos and video by Tyler Hanley/Palo Alto Online.

— Palo Alto Online staff

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