By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — New Yorkers celebrated the return of sunny spring weather Sunday with the time-honored Easter Parade down Fifth Avenue.
Held every year since the 1870s, the parade draws residents from around Manhattan and the outer boroughs to strut their stuff along Fifth Avenue, starting at St. Patrick's Cathedral on 49th Street and going up to 53rd Street.
"It's our first year," said Kelly Dunne, 17, who went to the parade with his two aunts, who made his artificial flower and purple tulle hat.
"I just said make it outrageous, we gotta be fierce out here," Dunne said of their creation.
Other revelers chose to make a statement with their hats. Artist Gilma Diaz said her hat, made of crochet figures, a construction helmet and artificial foliage, was a statement on the environment.
"People have to keep the air and the water clean because it affects everyone," Diaz said.
For families and kids, the parade was all about fun and creating memories.
"Every year we come here for the Easter Parade, even though we're Jewish," said Raven Snook, 39, an East Harlem resident who wore a red-and-black costume and brought along her five-year-old daughter and a friend.
"You can't dress up for Passover," Snook said. "It's no fun."
