By P. Chandra Sagaran
Some 50,000 people converged on the main streets of the city to watch the 68th state level National Day celebrations here on August 31.
The crowd jostled to get the best views and pictures of the 111 contingents participating in the parade.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the occasion.
Others present Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Afifullah Shah.
Joining them were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, exco members,heads of departments and other state dignitaries.
A total of 111 contingents drawn from Government Departments, private sectors, schools, institutes of higher learning, bands and NGOs with a total of 5,891 participated in the parade.
Twelve security forces personnel who were injured in the course of duty and Fire and Rescue Department officers for excellent service received Wira Negara contributions.
Winners of the competitions in various categories also went home with their prizes.