Everyone seems to love a parade, though on the whole I try to avoid them. I am not a huge fan of bagpipes, I know what a fire engine looks like and, if there are local politicians leading the whole affair, then you can probably count me out.
But sometimes in America there is no avoiding them. In our small town in the Hudson Valley last weekend we had our gay pride parade. That was impressive. Two weekends ago there was the Flag Day parade, though I am not sure what it was celebrating. I guess American patriotism, though the float with young men brandishing toy Uzi’s perhaps went a bit far.
One invitation I couldn’t decline was back in February to the annual Ice Parade in Saranac Lake, New York, way up in the Adirondacks.
They had even built a full scale ice castle for the occasion. I do recall turning into something of an icicle myself. Which I suppose means I got into the spirit.
New York City pride is coming and I shall be watching to see how new mayor, Bill de Blasio, fits in. Last Saturday he joined the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island dressed as a pirate, fake sword and all, becoming the first mayor to take part in the parade in costume since the event began in 1983.
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