Island's past, present and future in the annual Bermuda Day parade.

And while the number of floats was noticeably smaller than in previous years, it was some three hours before the last of the participants -- Place's Gombeys -- danced along Front Street.

The crowd of residents and visitors never appeared to lose interest in the parade, even when it was halted for about 15 minutes due to the St. John's Ambulance Brigade's need to assist a woman who was overtaken by the heat.

From the traditional horse-drawn carriages depicted by Cable and Wireless' Best Commercial and Most Beautiful float to the Island's four gombey groups, spectators were definitely entertained by this year's parade which carried heritage month's theme "The People of Bermuda.'' Some 15 floats participated, depicting wide-ranging aspects of the Island's culture.

But John Barritt & Son's "Famous Bermudians'' seemed to be most fascinating to onlookers.

"That's the best,'' shouted one local as the float -- with Bermuda's unofficial ambassador Mr. Johnny Barnes in front, the late jazz musician Mr.

Lance Hayward on top, and heavily-clad Mr. Tommy Tucker -- passed by.

However, it was harder to determine the crowd's favourite.

From the start of the parade, at the junction of Par-La-Ville Road and Front Street, to its culmination at Bernard Park, spectators applauded and at times followed groups to show their approval.

One of the most arousing groups appeared to be that of local dancer Miss Suzette Harvey and her United Production Dancers.

The group, making its debut in the annual parade, literally stopped the parade near the flag pole on Front Street with its modern-dance-to-funky routine.

Not-so-new participants Dynamic City Rockettes in their hot pink and the Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers in green and gold were also well received.

But to the visitor or newcomer to Bermuda, the Portuguese Cultural Association's music and participants dressed in traditional attire, and Choy Aming's "People of Bermuda'' entry spoke volumes about the Island's people.

Dancing to the beat of the steel band music, colourfully-dressed people of all ages took part in Mr. Aming's group which has been absent from the parade for the past two years.

The elaborate costumes they wore represented African, British and Portuguese royalty.

And judging by the crowd's reaction, spectators were not disappointed that they waited around.

"I feel like I've experienced a little of Bermuda's tradition here today,'' said Miss Charlene Darrow, a first-time visitor to Bermuda from Connecticut.

"I really love the music. It's hard to keep from shaking your body around.'' "This is incredible,'' said another group of visitors from Nova Scotia, Canada. "We love the variety.'' Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan said Bermuda's heritage "is something we can all be proud of.'' And Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade urged everyone to pull together for the benefit of all in Bermuda.

Yesterday, as a broad cross section of the community came together to participate in the cycle race, half-marathon, and festivities, it appeared that their messages were heeded. Pictures on pages 6 and 7.