Maybe we need them after a tough 2016 – not one, but two avatars of the King of Rock and Roll were on hand yesterday for the 43rd annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade in Hampden.

Also present were the peppy and perennial marching bands, fez-topped Shriners in mini-cars, prancing elves, clomping Star Wars storm troopers, Harley riders, arabbers, scantily-clad “Mayor of Hampden” (a.k.a. Lou Catelli), balloons, floats and much, more.

And as always, there were VIP’s.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake did not attend, but mayor-elect Catherine Pugh was on hand, along with other officials, including Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, Northern District Commander Richard Gibson and City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.

Also present, fortunately, was indefatigable street photographer and longtime observer and chronicler of all things Baltimore, Bill Hughes.

Here’s Hughes’ write-up of the event on the Baltimore Post Examiner and his full photo-set on Facebook.

(The event is sponsored by community associations and businesses in the Hampden and Medfield neighborhoods.)