Blue skies and a handful of Occupy protesters greeted tens of thousands of parade fans at the 123rd annual Tournament of Roses Parade Monday.

A large but discreet police presence was evident near Tournament House, headquarters for the venerable civic event.

About 40 Occupy protesters—some holding a banner—lined a section of Orange Grove Boulevard, but their chants were drowned out by the nearby Marine Corps Band, reports City News Service. 

Estimates of more than 2,000 people joined the Occupy march after the parade, and headed to City Hall for a rally with anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan.

Regardless, Pasadena Police say parade attendees remained respectful. 

“Parade attendees were respectful of the non-political nature of Pasadena’s New Year’s celebration,” Pasadena Police Department said in a statement Monday.

“The Pasadena Rose Parade continues to serve as an iconic event that draws local, national and international participants and spectators.”

This year's theme was “Just Imagine.”

The City of South Pas pulled in the Fantasy Award for its float "When Life Gives You Lemons" and La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association scored the Bob Hope Humor Award with its float "If Pigs Could Fly."

Check out our parade photos, and click HERE for a full list of winners.