Lansing — The Clinton Memorial Hospital "bed pan" drill team banged on bed pans and shook plastic jugs filled with pebbles.
Three women decked out in cowboy hats and fringed leather jackets rode horses.
And an Asian group wore traditional Korean clothing and beat on drums as it made its way down the street.
These were just a few of the 95 diverse groups that marched in the 16th annual Michigan Parade on Saturday in downtown Lansing.
The parade, which began at the corner of Allegan and Pine streets, kicked off Michigan Week 2006. The parade was titled, "The Magic of Michigan: A World of Opportunities."
Sunny skies and warm temperatures brought a good turnout.
"It's the best weather we've had in five years," said Parade Board Member Carol Munro, 34, of Lansing.
Duane Vernon, general chairman of the Michigan Parade, has been organizing it since its creation in 1990. He said the key to a successful parade is recruiting exciting people who do exciting things. Vernon, who served as grand marshal of the parade, also said it drew participants from about 48 communities across Michigan.
"It's a great place to come and have fun," he said.
For a half-hour before the parade, members of the Magicians' Guild of Lansing performed tricks along sidewalks lined with thousand of people. After the parade, the magicians held a show at the Michigan Library and Historical Center.
Michigan Week Coordinator James Schultz said magic is part of Michigan's history. Famous magician Harry Blackstone, who had a home in Colon, Mich., became well known by performing for the Army during World War II. Colon, in St. Joseph County, refers to itself as the "Magic Capital of the World."
The parade also saluted the 50th anniversary of Sister Cities International, a nonprofit network that creates partnerships between U.S. and international communities. Lansing's sister cities include Otsu, Japan; Guadalajara, Mexico; and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sherman Banks, president of Sister Cities International, also served as a parade grand marshal.
Tammy Johnson, 38, traveled from Grand Rapids with her son Thomas, 7, to watch her husband, Bill, march with the Capital Area Alumni Marching Band. This was her 10th year attending the parade.
"We have a lot of ties to the parade," she said, adding that the family moved from the area in October after living in Lansing for 15 years. "We'll keep coming as long as they keep having it."
Michigan Week began in 1954 as a way to promote state pride and celebrate Michigan's heritage and environment. The theme of Michigan Week 2006 is "Great Lakes, Great Traditions: The Magic of Michigan." More than 30 Michigan cities are holding events.
"It makes you stop and think about all the positive things in Michigan," Schultz said.
There also are other positive effects of the annual celebration.
Drew Klovens, owner of Great Harvest Bread Co. at 123 S. Washington Square, said he saw an increase in business during the parade.
"We need more things like this to bring people downtown," Klovens said.
The Made in Michigan Festival, which was held on Saturday and Sunday in Lansing's Old Town district, sold skin-care products, specialty foods, gift items, outdoor gear and organic products — all made in the state.
The festival was organized by the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, an initiative that helps Michigan businesses develop new products and services.
Tom Daly, 44, of Lansing, sold hot dogs from his stand on Saturday. He said there was a good turnout for the parade.
"It's nice to see people take pride in their area," Daly said.
