Generations of Ankeny SummerFest Fans Turn Out for Parade

Thousands of kids and adults from Ankeny and around the metro turned out Saturday to see colorful floats, collect candy and kick off SummerFest. 

Sarah Whittlesey came from Des Moines with her family. 

"It's a great, fun, family event," Whittlesey said. 

Angela McClairin of West Des Moines came to watch her float, she is the owner of Cl!x photography in Ankeny.

"It's a fun parade," McClairin said. "It's great Ankeny supports local businesses."

Janice Eilander of Ankeny has been coming to watch the parade with her husband since the late 1960s.

"Ankeny is a great town," Eilander said. "The parade has grown so much."

Along with the parade, the carnival offers a wristband special, $20 for unlimited rides from 1-5 p.m. The carnival closes at midnight and opens again Sunday at 1 p.m.