DAPHNE, Ala. — Main Street in Olde Towne Daphne was blocked off Thursday as the Daphne High School Marching Band let their presence be known with the sound of their instruments.

Joining them were the drill squad and color guard, football team and 2010 Homecoming court for the annual Daphne High School Homecoming Parade. The parade precedes the homecoming dance and homecoming football game.

People packed the sidewalks along the street like it was Mardi Gras, some to show support for the team, court and school, and others to catch candy that some members of the parade were throwing.

The parade started at Daphne Civic Center and Public Library on Main Street and went through Olde Towne Daphne, past City Hall, and then looped back down Sixth Street.

 The school has had a parade before the homecoming dance and football game for at least 20 years, Daphne High School Principal Don Blanchard said.

Daphne will face Satsuma High School in the annual Homecoming football game tonight, where the homecoming court was highlighted during pre-game festivities at 6:30 p.m.

The annual homecoming dance will be held Saturday at the Daphne Civic Center.