An Oswego County couple is celebrating the first day of their engagement after the groom-to-be stopped the Phoenix Memorial Day parade to propose. Our Candace Hopkins was there as the proposal went off without a hitch, with help from the couple's family and friends.

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PHOENIX, N.Y. -- When Phoenix native Chris Razey decided to propose to his girlfriend, Samantha Miner, he set out to pop the question in a big way.

"I knew we would draw a big crowd here," Razey said.

The crowds did come. Hundreds of people lined Main Street Monday for Phoenix's Memorial Day parade, unaware of the big surprise ahead.

"It was my mother's idea, probably about a year and a half ago, and I decided to follow through with it, with about ten months of planning," said Razey.

But all that preparation couldn't keep him calm as the big moment approached.

"Stomach was in knots, trying to get back to it, it just got worse and worse the closer I got," said Razey.

Razey, a village DPW worker, rolled to a stop in front of Samantha and let his truck do the talking. She was stunned, but quickly said yes.

"I knew it was coming, but it was a big shock to do it this way," said Miner.

The crowd, filled with the couple's family and friends and even village officials, immediately erupted with approval.

"It's very exciting. The first time we've ever seen anything like this happen in a parade, but it's wonderful to have that kind of community spirit here and everyone getting involved with that," said Phoenix Mayor Tony Fratto.

Razey's mother, Laurie Dates, was one of the most excited people in the crowd.

"They met in high school, they've been together four or five years now and she's perfect for him. I love her dearly. She's going to be a perfect addition to the family," Dates said.

Just minutes after the parade ended, both families gathered to celebrate the happy couple.