Hundreds of Yellowknifers lined downtown streets to see this year's mobile celebration of national spirit.

For some, like Eddie Goulet, the parade was the thing. "I'm looking for that mystery float," said Goulet. "They talked about it on the radio today."

For others, like Bob Murphy, it was Canada Day.

"We come out every year for the Canada Day celebration," said Murphy, with his wife Evelyn.

"It's Canada Day -- there doesn't need to be any other reason."

Susan LeBlanc agreed -- "I'm here because I want to celebrate Canada Day, I get very excited about it."

For some, this year's parade was a bit more of a novelty.

"I've been here for 20 years and I think this is the second time I've been out to the parade," said Paul Jackson, poised to videotape the action.

Jackson's friend, Fern Aucoin, is from Leduc, Alta., where good samaritans spend Canada Day eve putting touches of Canada on many homes in town.

"We wake up in the morning and there's little flags on every lawn," said Aucoin.

Of course, the best part of parades is being in them, something Debbie McIsaac knows well.

McIsaac is a veteran participant in both Christmas and Canada Day parades.

This year she was a polar bear, promoting Team NWT, which will be participating in the Canada Summer Games in Brandon, Man., Aug. 9-23.

"It's very hot, I'm soaked," said McIsaac as she climbed out of the furry get-up at parade's end. "But I have a lot of fun doing it," she added. "I love it. Now, to the beach!"