See a 60-photo slide show of the parade here [0].

The Cosumnes River Little League began the 2008 season with something new -- a parade of uniformed players as colorful and spirited as the Fourth of July parade and every bit as all-American. Boys and girls tossed out candy to the crowd as they headed up Escuela Drive in trucks and trailers decorated for the occasion.

CRLL Vice-President Robert Book was the master of ceremony at the Stonehouse Park ball field. Book introduced the teams gathered on the field and presented an oversize check to the league's first scholarship winner, Kyle East. Kyle is a Pleasant Grove High School student with a 4.45 grade average and aspirations to become a scientist and college professor.

Local pilots made the customary season-opening fly-over.

After carrying the flag onto the field, Boy Scout Troop 633 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Katriona Lucas sang the national anthem.

The first pitch was a dual honor. Patty Jenco tossed the first softball of the
season to Little League catcher Michelle Utterback.

Rod Hart, Rancho Murieta Association maintenance manager, threw the first baseball to catcher Colton Book.

After that, it was hot dogs and hamburgers for everybody, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club. Games were played throughout the day.