This was only my 2nd year seeing this event. Last year we did not come early so we missed the chance to take photo with people prior to the parade. The parade is truly awesome. It last about 2 hours.
I do give advice that if you plan to come, come really early. Not only you got the chance to take up-close photos with them, but also you got to get good spot to take photos. Jane and I were lucky to find a good spot to take photos even though we got there 45 minutes prior the parade.
We were anxious for the parade to start and finally a loud noise came from the other end of the street. We knew it's time. The parade started with bikers. I noticed that a lot of parades start with bikers.
It was more like parade party. People were dancing and crowds were really into it. There was one guy near us was really really into it. He yelled and yelled.
There was one naked guy among the parade and I think it was the same guy last year. I did take good photo of him but I do not think it is good share in the Internet.
The good tip if you plan to go is that to go there early and bring some sort of sun blocking lotion or cap. It was really hot out there but we enjoyed it.