LUDLOW, Mass. - Bells and whistles and hundreds of marchers took the streets of Ludlow Saturday morning for a parade and block party in honor of the town's 250th anniversary.

"Well this is the 250th anniversary of Ludlow's incorporation as a town," said 250^th Ludlow Committee Volunteer Mia Alves. "In fact we have a wonderful historical book of Ludlow's incorporation and becoming a town independent  of Springfield."

Several community groups took part in the parade... including students from Ludlow Publics Schools, the Police and Fire Department, and the American Legion.

Children and families from neighboring cities and towns were also able to smile and wave to viewers from up high on the many featured floats as well.

"We spoke with some lifelong Ludlow residents well as visitors from out of town about what 250 years means to them."

"Well it's a beautiful day and a beautiful day to celebrate with the community," said Ludlow Resident Katie Godbout. "and to be able to be here to celebrate the history and all the wonderful people that belong to this community."

"It's very special," said Ludlow Resident Stephanie Smola.  "It's nice to come out and bring the kids and be able to celebrate with the whole town."

"We love it. We were just excited to see the parade," said Ludlow Resident Louise Boissy "My son is a Shriner and he's riding on the trikes so I'm here to see my son do his wheelie on the trikes."

The block party that followed included over a dozen vendors with food and town merchandise.

Members of the 250th Committee say this year is a significant milestone in the town's history and should be celebrated with the Western Mass community.

"It's a landmark year, 250," said Alves. "I think it's a nice number, and we're so excited. We've had a lot of work that's been done for the last year leading up to this."

The committee says some smaller events to celebrate the town will take place in the fall, more information on those will be announced at a later date.