Natick Little League baseball and softball players, and their entourages, took over South Natick on Saturday morning during the annual march from our version of the Citgo sign (a Gulf station) to the ball fields along the river.

Led by a fire engine and supported by police officers, showing restraint with their sirens, the kids brightened the streets with their colorful uniforms and chatter. Back in the day, this was a louder affair, even featuring a flyover, as a neighbor recalled on my walk home. But it sounded just about right on this Saturday morning.