We saw that the West Indian American Labor Day Parade (that’s a mouthful) started at 11 a.m., and we thought, “Perfect.” We’re so gullible.
We got there at 11 and found a place right up against the fence. “Perfect.” The parade kicked off at eleven. “Perfect.”
And then, for the next THREE hours, a bunch of political jokers wandered down the street with twenty groupies in their political t-shirts, possibly with a bit of West Indies steel drum music playing. I’m not a fan of any politician to begin with, and even less so of those pandering for votes by wearing a One West Indian, One New York t-shirt. Comptrollers, Treasurers, and a hundred others strolled by, looking bored with fake smiles plastered on their faces and sweat pouring down their backs. Vote for me, vote for me.
I’m sure the real parade would have finally kicked off eventually, but with two little kids we had already overstayed our welcome. The West Indian American Labor Day Parade was a bust, for us. Though, I did get some conch fritters—so not a total bust.
These were about the only people we saw dressed up for the parade in anything but a candidate tee.
I saw this girl leaning on the light post, towering over a sea of people, and thought that the scene looked exactly as a kid who grows up in the midwest would expect New York to look. And then of course, another six-footer wanders into the photo.
The Flatiron building. Try explaining what a flatiron is to kids born in the 21st century who have never seen their parents iron a shirt.
An example of well-placed advertising.
The Empire State Building seems to poke its head out no matter where you are in the city. That top is so distinctive, it’s never confused for anything else in New York.
The sun has actually been out for most of our time in New York. Perfect time of year to be here.
7 Comments on “A Political Parade”
Great shots of the Big Apple! The kids look right at home. They never seem shy about new people and places, which is the best gift you could ever give them!
A bit like the Eugene celebration parade.
Having lived in the West Indies myself for decades — I have learned — always go to any parade hours after the scheduled start.
The Empire State Building doesn’t get confused with anything else, but the Chrysler building always confused for the Empire State Building…
Funny. I bet it does.
Pat, you probably already know that the unique top on the Empire State Building was designed to be a mooring for dirigible. Built during the times when dreamers felt trans-Atlantic travel by airship was the future. Then that little accident in Jersey happened.
It’s too bad, too, because it would have made for some amazing photo ops.