How the NYPD plans to keep West Indian Day Parade-goers safe Monday

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN (WABC) -- The music, food and costumes are part of it all - the West Indian American Day Carnival brings out more than a million people each year. William Howard, Vice President of the association has been with the parade since its inception 48 years ago.

"It's mostly from Trinidad and Venezuela - this year we have 43 costume bands on hand, and maybe another 15-20 floats," says Howard.

Some have spent fortunes and months of preparation on a queen costume worthy of the grand prize, worth thousands of dollars - not to mention the feeling of having thousands watch as you make your way down Eastern Parkway.

"Let me tell you something, that Parkway - woooo!" says Roxanne Mayhew Douglas.

While music, dancing and food are the main attractions, police and event officials will be watching for any trouble. Years past have seen violence, but new standards put in place last year have proven to work.

Music, dancing and food are the main attraction. But police and event officials will be watching for any trouble. Years past have had seen violence, but new standards put in place last year have proven to work.

"By having that police officer with the leaders of the parade, we can diffuse issues and we don't have those confrontations," adds Howard.

More than 4,000 officers will be on hand to make sure nothing gets out of control. Parade-goers are not worried, though, and are more concerned on a good time.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. with local and state officials kicking off the fun with a breakfast at 8 a.m.