NEW ORLEANS, June 2 (UPI) -- New Orleans residents flocked to city streets to have a "redo" of the Mother's Day parade after the original event turned violent, officials said.
Three weeks ago, two men opened fire on parade attendees, injuring 20 and stopping the festivities.
Ed Buckner, who helped organize the second parade, told The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune that the second event was a statement against gun violence.
"We have to show the community that we are taking a stand against this kind of gang and gun violence and to make it so that this very strong culture can continue without any other incidents like this," Buckner said.
More than 500 people attended Saturday's four-hour parade.
Many people set up grills and folding chairs, while others danced in the streets, the Times-Picayune said.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said there was a heavy police presence at the event to make sure it remained safe.
"This is New Orleans," Serpas said. "It's one of our proudest traditions."
"We want the community to know that we are here with them and that we are here for them," he said.
