Thousands of fans braved snow and rain two days after the New England Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win for a chance to celebrate with their champions. And while it wasn't exactly parade weather, the celebration was warm and lively. WGBH News' Paris Alston and Marilyn Schairer were on the scene, cameras and notebooks in hand. Here's what they saw.
Thousands of fans of all ages lined the streets. Friends came in groups, and parents brought their children — even if it was a school day.
Some watched from the second floors of buildings along the route.
As the air became colder and the snowflakes became larger, the crowd began to grow impatient. "Is that them?" people asked, only to be let down repeatedly by fleets of empty Patriots tour buses and police motorcades.
Finally, it was time.
Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans and the Boston Police Department led the way.
Crowd favorites were close behind, including:
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, holding the Lombardi Trophy,
Coach Bill Belichick,
Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady,
Placekicker Stephen Gostkowski,
and others from the all-star team, along with their friends and families.
Everyone rode in on the infamous duck boats.
And they did more than just smile and wave, as evident from running backs LaGarrette Blount and James White.
It was a moment of pride and joy for champs and fans alike — one that hasn't grown old, even after the fifth time.
