When Rose Lennett moved into her Belgrade Avenue home two weeks ago, she had no idea the front porch would prove a perfect vantage point for yesterday’s annual Roslindale Day Parade. As well as a perfect target for the pack of stumping politicians who paraded and pamphleteered among the fire engines, floats, and old-time cars.

“John Connolly,’’ said City Council candidate John Connolly, extending his hand toward Lennett, 83. “Hope you’ll consider me in November.’’

Lennett nodded that she would, and Connolly bounded back toward the parade route. She had never heard of him, but he seemed nice enough. If a bit of a sideshow from the true spectacle – the dazzling array of whirling dancers, bagpipers, and colorful floats winding through Roslindale Village.

Such was the split-screen feel along the parade route, as the most intense political season in recent memory intersected with a treasured neighborhood event. For a few hours, the campaign trail and parade route merged into one, drawing scads of hand-shaking candidates and armies of sign-holding volunteers and giving the homey festivities a heavy dose of political jockeying.

The 34th annual parade has long drawn politicians looking to glad-hand the electorate and capitalize on the day’s festivities. But with contested mayoral and city council races, not to mention a sprint for the vacant US Senate seat, this year’s version had a more partisan tone.

“Longer, too,’’ said Jackie Silva, 47, from Hyde Park who had secured a curbside spot well before the parade kicked off at 1 p.m. sharp. “They will all be here today, that’s for sure.’’

As if on cue, Mayor Thomas M. Menino came strolling down the center of the road, waving to the crowds lining both sides of the street. From her lawn chair, Silva briefly waved back. Like usual, she was saving her best waves for the little kids.

“They love it,’’ she said. “They feel so important when everyone’s cheering and waving for them.’’

A bit down the road, just past Edward F. Eagan Square, the Bain family was watching the parade from the sidewalk, having pizza for lunch. Dessert was no problem, as float after float tossed candy curbside. Volunteers for City Council candidate Ayanna Pressleywent one better, giving children well short of voting age their pick of Skittles and Tootsie Rolls.

But this parade was not just floats and Skittles. Even Brianna Bain, 10, recognized some of the political candidates marching by.

“Hey look, there’s Yoon!’’ she said excitedly, as City Councilor Sam Yoonwaved at her.

Nearby was mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty, who veered to the curb to introduce himself to the Bains and ask for their support.

In the Bain family, the Menino-Flaherty race is a dead heat and looks like it will stay that way.

“Same old, same old with Menino,’’ said Stephen Bain, 33. “It’s good to have some competition. I think it’s time for a change.’’

“I think he’s [Menino] been in office so long for a reason,’’ replied his wife, Melissa Bain.

Across the street, Dwain Jackson, 37, watched his three children marvel at a group of pink-shirted dancers cartwheeling down the road, even up a hill. He had noticed all the politicians, but said his kids were too busy taking in all the other sights.

“They just love seeing all the action,’’ he said. “For them, it’s just a good ol’ time.’’

Nearby, volunteers for US Senate candidates Martha Coakley, the state’s attorney general, and Michael Capuano, a Congressman from Somerville, nervously approached strangers to gather signatures. Supporters from city council candidates shared no such reluctance, peppering the audience with pamphlets and fliers. Right behind them were the candidates themselves, quick with a shake and a smile.

“Doug Bennett, running for City Council,’’ said Doug Bennett, smiling broadly at Sandy Schaefer-Ung. Right behind him was his competition, Tito Jackson.

Unfortunately for them, the Boston-raised woman had decamped to the Cape, and was no longer on the city voting rolls. But she would never miss a Rozzie parade.

“Look at this, there’s something for everybody,’’ she said. “It’s all about the community. Just a wonderful event. As you can tell, I love a parade.’’

Back on her new front stoop, Rose Lennett was saying she would consider voting for her new acquaintance, Connolly when the parade again caught her eye.

“Oh, look, here’s a band,’’ she exclaimed. “Jerry, come see the nice band!’’

Her husband, Jerry Lennett, 87, a World War II veteran, shuffled outside to see what the fuss was.

No politician was going to tear him away from the Patriots game. But a Navy brass band, that was worth a look.