PHOTOS | Grand Concourse parade closes out 13-day celebration of Bronx Week

The only things that preceded Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was a fire engine and a black Chevy truck as she leads the morning parade on Sunday, May 21. “They need to know that I’m a DA that’s accessible, that cares about community,” said Clark. Immediately after that comment, a parade onlooker screamed, “Darcel Clark” from behind the police barricades. Clark waved back with a smile and a “Hey.” Photo ET Rodriguez

The Bronx G.E.M.S, mostly from the Soundview area, brought their A-game as they perform cheer stunts. An acronym for Girls Empowered to Motivate and Succeed, the G.E.M.S are three-time national cheer champions in their division for American Youth Football and Cheer. Photo ET Rodriguez

Small members of the New York Grey Cadets of the ROTC join the ranks at Bronx Week’s parade on Sunday as they march along with their band. Cadets range in age from 8-18. “We encourage the youth of the Bronx — teach them respect, discipline and overall character development,” said the command sergeant major of the program, which operates out of PS 8 on Briggs Avenue. Photo ET Rodriguez

Three-year-old Isabela waves to parade participants as they pass by. “I know it’s been 20 years since the parade was on the Grand Concourse. I grew up here my whole life, but this is her first time,” said Isabela’s mother, Jalut Sanabria, who lives on the Grand Concourse. Photo ET Rodriguez

Melrose native Tashi-Moto, 45, makes her own hula hoops and teaches hula-hooping classes on Saturdays at Hula Hoop Fit 366 in Harlem. She is a member of 40+ Double Dutch — a non-profit founded in Chicago in 2016 for women 40 and over as a way to stay physically and mentally fit. Photo ET Rodriguez

The Hare Krishna community had their Rath Yatra — it translates to “journey chariot” — out on Sunday. “If you pull the chariot your sins will disappear,” said Gyani Joshi, a member of the Hare Krishna community who was pulling the whole parade route. They also offered tasty banana fritters and other sweets to onlookers. Photo ET Rodriguez

“Elite Dance Nation” takes a group photo before giving it all they got at Sunday’s festivities. The group is made up of two separate dance groups from Soundview Academy for Culture and Scholarship — Baile Cafe and Explosion. “I love the team — the director, she really cares. It’s important to have someone strong, by my side,” said dance member Mirielysh Gomez, 16. Photo ET Rodriguez

Hope the Owl came out to show her school spirit on Sunday. She has been the mascot of AMPARK Neighborhood School in Van Cortlandt Village for 14 years. Photo ET Rodriguez

After the parade concluded, vendors were lined up along Joyce Kilmer Park for a festival, which ran until 5 p.m. There was a plethora of food to eat, including some of the best tacos al pastor from Tacos Don Goyo. Vendors included jewelers, toy-makers and food options sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Photo ET Rodriguez

Although the parade was over, the party wasn’t. Members of the Hare Krishna community sing and bang drums and symbols as one of their members approaches bystanders encouraging them to sing along. Photo ET Rodriguez

It was a day full of fun, food and festivities. Ms. Shirley, an artist, resident and face painter on Sunday, paints three-year-old Masen as a tiger. Photo ET Rodriguez