at/in the parade

[sitifan]

You will be surprised at the number of the people in the parade -- over two million people each year! At the parade, people dance, show off their costumes, and have fun.
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In the above passage, is "at the parade" and "in the parade" interchangeable?
What's the difference in meaning between "at the parade" and "in the parade"?

[acomber]

You will be surprised at the number of the people in the parade -- over two million people each year! At the parade, people dance, show off their costumes, and have fun.
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In the above passage, is "at the parade" and "in the parade" interchangeable?
What's the difference in meaning between "at the parade" and "in the parade"?

Bear in mind I am not an English teacher. But a native speaker.

To me, in the parade means you would be a member of the parade team. ie parading.

At the parade could be a parade member or any bystander - anyone that was there.

A similar phrase: Are you in the team. Were you at the match. Do you see the similarity.