An estimated 800,000 Royals fans -- a "significant chunk of the 2 million people" in the K.C. metro area -- showed up yesterday for the team's World Series championship parade, according to Sam Mellinger of the K.C. STAR. Area schools and small businesses closed, "except the ones positioned to make a fortune off the day," and medical offices "told all non-essential personnel to take a day." It is "quite possible that no event in the history of Kansas City has attracted more people." The parade "weaved through downtown, people lining the streets -- 10, 15, 50-deep in parts -- and nearly all of them in blue." The K.C. Police Dept. "reported just three arrests" (K.C. STAR, 11/4). MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan wrote at least 200,000 fans "wedged in and around historic Union Station, creating a stunning sea of Royal blue." The expected parade attendance was "anywhere from 300-500,000 fans." Royals Owner David Glass said, "I can't tell you how much fun this is." Royals 1B Eric Hosmer: "You look at every building, on the streets, on the roofs, people are jam-packed out there. It means so much to all of us to have this moment with our fans" (MLB.com, 11/3). Hosmer added, "This turnout’s been something you can’t even make up in a dream. It’s really unbelievable" (K.C. STAR, 11/4).
