A sea of children donning colorful caps and uniforms marched from Linscott Park to the Swampscott Middle School fields Saturday morning, enduring some light showers to officially kick off the little league baseball season with an opening day parade.

A fire engine escorted the mass of young baseball and softball players, as teams held up their own personally decorated signs and flags. A buzz of excitement and anticipation filled the air as the swarm of hundreds of little leaguers had fun with their teammates along the way.

Residents along the parade route stepped outside with their morning coffee to cheer and bid the players good luck. Even a couple of wild turkeys joined the trot, providing additional excitement to younger players and the numerous dogs who were walking along the parade route.

At the end of the parade, teams were greeted by Swampscott High School varsity baseball and softball teams, before Swampscott Little League President Nicole McAdam addressed the crowd.

A group of players from Little League’s Challenger Division were honored before the game, receiving an ovation from the rest of the little league players and families. Challenger Little League offers a game of adaptive baseball to children with physical and intellectual challenges.

A trio of challenger players threw out ceremonial first pitches of the season to Big Blue baseball and softball players.

“We’re excited to kick off another season that we hope is filled with fun, friendship, sportsmanship and developing skills,” said McAdam. “Those are all part of the foundation of Swampscott Little League.”

Around 440 players are playing in the league’s many divisions this year, said McAdam, who gave thanks, and ensured the players did too, to over 100 volunteers who coach, maintain the fields and order uniforms.

“I think it’s a fun way to start the season,” said McAdam. They get to wear their uniforms, get to see each other in a non-competitive environment and have a little fun along the way. The players love making their posters and its a thrill for them to get to give high-fives to varsity baseball and softball teams.

The snack shack opened up and parents bought raffle tickets for bicycles. Two high school senior players, Aidan Brown and Hayden Haskell, both Swampscott Little League alumni, were presented with scholarships from the little league.

Food donations were also collected at the starting and finishing points of the parade for a drive towards Anchor Food Pantry.