The annual Salute to Labor parade in downtown Omaha will look a little different this year when it gets underway Monday at 10 a.m.
The event will feature four giant air-filled balloons on rollers, as opposed to the floating helium balloons of past years. That's due to a helium shortage, said Parade Marshal Mark Pottach, Vice President of Machiners Union Local Number 31.
Outside of that, Pottach said, the event will very much mirror parades of the past, with marching bands, floats and candy thrown to onlookers. Several port-a-potties will be set up along the way, to help keep the crowd comfortable.
Some 25,000 to 30,000 metro area residents are expected to come out and fill up positions along the parade route. It goes from 16th and Cass St., south to Capitol Ave., east to 10th St. and back up north to Mike Fahey St.
Some 3,000 labor union members and other volunteers, including students from six area high schools, will be taking part in the festivities.
