Geodog

Photos of the 2004 How Berkeley Can You Be Parade

I've finally finished posting my pictures of the 2004 How Berkeley Can You Be Parade.



One of the things that makes Berkeley such a wonderful place to live is the mix of people who inhabit it. The annual How Berkeley Can You Be parade is one of my favorite Berkeley events, because it reflects the Berkeley mix so well -- the creative artists, the earnest citizens, and the zanies. This year's parade theme was alternative locomotion, and, helped by its status as the end point of the West Coast Art Car Fest, organized by Berkeley resident Harrod Blank, the parade delivered. While there wasn't a single most popular car, like last year's Sashimi Tabernacle Choir car, there were lots of great electric cars, bicycles, scooters, and many wonderful but uncategorizable entries.

Unsuprisingly, given the timing and locale, politics was the unofficial theme of the parade. This year's crowd pleaser wasn't a car, it was the "Billionaires for Bush" contingent, resplendent in their tuxedos and evening gowns. The anti-circumcision protesters weren't nearly as popular, but they did have the best poster. Befitting our small town status, the causes with the most marchers were the local causes, more funding for our public libraries and public schools. All in all, a great event. If you are ever in Berkeley in mid-September, don't miss it.