It was a giant wave of pink and purple that came rolling up Hwy 56 and into Bonham on Friday as Fannin County Relay For Life's Pink and Purple Parade swept into town.

This annual event is held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the highly visible parade has played a vital role in creating awareness in the community about a disease that will threaten one out of every eight women during their lifetime.

The parade started at Red River Regional Hospital, the driving force behind promoting breast cancer awareness in the area, and marchers carried their message to the Bonham Square where 2009 Pink and Purple Parade Grand Marshal Dianne Lehde, along with Lou Ann Daniels and Joe Herndon, addressed the crowd.

Many in the parade were adorned in pink, a color that has become synonymous with of breast cancer awareness, while other marchers wore purple in recognition of cancer survivors.

Participants were invited to walk the parade route or ride in a decorated vehicle.

A KTEN reporter films the parade.

Lou Ann Daniels introduces this year's Grand Marshal.

2009 Pink and Purple Parade Grand Marshal Dianne Lehde addresses the crowd. Joe Herndon (left) also spoke briefly. To the right is Lou Ann Daniels.