This weekend we went to New York City for Halloween. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things about the city is the sense of community and pride that fills people at these events. It's very easy to pick up a conversation with people very different from yourself, and I caught myself on more than one occasion sharing someone's excitement over some of the costumes. Conversations ensue and it is very easy to feel connected with others in that environment.
The parade still managed to impress with a 35% reduction in their funding and a shorter route. There were tons of people in costume - myself as Cosmo, one of the fairly odd parents.
Even without our bright green and pink wigs, children would scream (in a good way) at the very sight of us and exclaim, "It's the fairly odd parents!" At some point, an assumably drunk youth walked up to me with a scowl on his face and said, "What are you supposed to be with that crown and those wings and the wand...some sort of...fairy?"
His girlfriend then exclaimed, "Oh my god, they're not just any fairies, it's Cosmo and Wanda!" After which he apologized emphatically.
So all in all it was a very enjoyable experience. We'll probably go into the city again next year.
And make Bean dress up as a lame vampire yet again.