WOW!! 2 million turn out for Puerto Rican Day Parade

An estimated 2 million people braved the hottest day to date this year -- the high in Manhattan reached 93 -- to be part of the 51st annual celebration. T

he morning shade that offered a reprieve from the humid heat gave way as the sun took up its overhead position. Marching with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine sweated through his white button-down shirt and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo wiped his brow often with a handkerchief.

Participants sported their pride in colorful ways -- from painting their faces to waving the striped flag bearing a lone star. Spectators came prepared with coolers filled with beverages, food, umbrellas, hand-held fans and spray bottles to get some reprieve from the sun, which sat directly overhead by midday as the parade was just reaching its peak.

Ariel Rodriguez, 40, of Newark, got up at 5 a.m. to make sure his wife, four children and 10 grandchildren had a front-row spot. "We are proud of our country," said Rodriguez, wearing a basketball jersey emblazoned with the country's flag. "We love Puerto Rico."

Their navy blue dress uniforms didn't keep city department of corrections officers Richie Cardona, 45, and Alex Parrilla, 34, both of the Bronx, from letting loose. They stopped along the route to dance with the crowd, Cardona shaking maracas while Parrilla beat on a cow bell.

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