MILWAUKEE — Thousands of people rounded out the 120th anniversary celebration for Harley-Davidson on Sunday with a ride in the motorcycle parade throughout downtown Milwaukee.

Paul and Denice Cousineau were among the riders. They traveled from Apache Junction, Arizona, to join in on the big event.

“I’m an old vet and I’ve marched in 50 or 60 parades,” said Paul Cousineau. “This one, by far, was the longest and the best. You had some of the best crowds I’ve seen ever.”

They said the parade was a perfect ending to a memorable weekend.

“Remembering to wave on both sides because both sides of the road were packed,” said Denice Cousineau. “He (Paul) was honking his horn the whole way.”

Both said they can’t pick a favorite a memory from this weekend but agree that meeting other enthusiasts who share the same passion as them was amazing.

“You can’t find a better blend of people with one common cause and riding a Harley-Davidson and coming here for this activity,” said Paul Cousineau. “This is my list of places and countries that I just met today. I have two more pages but Columbia, New Zealand, Russia, Netherlands, Scotland, France, China, Australia.”

The hospitality of people in Milwaukee was another element the two said was nice.

“The people here are marvelous,” said Paul Cousineau. “Everywhere we go, we get asked the same questions. How are you doing? What can we do better?”

It’s something Janet Brown and her husband said they love to hear — that Harley-Davidson is helping put Milwaukee on the map.

“My husband and I don’t ride Harleys, but we’ve been part of the festivities for the whole weekend,” said Brown. “This parade is just an ending to a very exciting weekend here in Milwaukee. We’re thrilled to welcome people from around the world and just a lot of hometown fun.”

The Cousineau’s are excited to plan a trip to Milwaukee for the next celebration in five years.

“Everybody is so gracious, so helpful and so wonderful and if I live long enough, I’ll be back again,” said Paul Cousineau.