While Colonial forefathers wielded rifles with bayonets, parade spectators last weekend defended their revolutionary fire with umbrellas and ponchos. Under a steely gray sky, Narragansett Parkway in Warwick and Broad Street in Cranston were bursting with red, white and blue: from the traditional uniforms of the Pawtuxet Rangers to the patriotic floats designed by local schools, organizations and businesses.

Saturday’s wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of marchers and spectators celebrating the 60^th annual Gaspee Day Parade.

Rifle fire and cannon blasts pierced the air. High school bands and professional music groups made their brass instruments sing with Sousa tunes. And, with some of the morning’s 5K participants in historical garb, it might have been the only place in America where you could find people wearing powdered wigs and tricorn hats with Nike sneakers.

The festivities culminated in the Pawtuxet Rangers’ carrying out a changing of the guard ceremony in Pawtuxet Park. Col. Philip Rowell will now serve as commander of the Rangers, succeeding Ronald W. Barnes. Several state officials gave remarks at the ceremony, including Gov. Dan McKee, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner.