NEWPORT BEACH

The 5th annual Balboa Island Parade this weekend celebrated the simple pleasures of life in a close-knit community--friendly folks cheering on homemade floats, antique cars and marching bands. Thousands lined the parade route, many waving American flags and holding carnations handed out by volunteers. “Happy parade day!” yelled Lexie-Anne Pappas, 6, of Huntington Beach, as she sat by the curb along the Balboa Island bridge. The town’s lifeline is the two-lane bridge, which is undergoing renovation, which explains why a float featuring a construction crane nearly stole the show. It reminded people of the terrible headache the actual crane, called “Mr. Guy,” caused by snarling traffic during much of this year, said parade volunteer Carolyn Carr. The prize for best overall parade entry went to Island Hopping, a golf cart dressed up like a sandy beach with mermaids and hula dancers beckoning long-lost sailors.