If you have never heard of the parade, first read about it. If you missed one of their donation buckets, you can also donate ! I asked some of the Free Speech Sections participants what group they were with, and why they were here?

Eric Angell – Our World in Depth, ” I’m here to be festive with friends and neighbors in Minneapolis.”

Erick Boustead – Line Break Media, ” I’m ‘shooting the parade,’ and to soak in the awesome mix of the art and theater. ”

Gary Lingen –  Upper Midwest Pagan Alliance, ” Over the 29 years I have lived here, I have only missed one May Day! I missed last year because of surgery, but I always come here in any type of weather to be part of the celebration today.

Larry Johnson – Veterans for Peace , “Here for Peace as Veterans.”

Enyahinck – Metro Blooms, “We like things to bloom, and we’re here for class, extra credit!”

Don Wilson – Join the Impact Twin Cities,  ”  LGBT, promoting Harvey Milk day in Minneapolis and civil rights!”

Julie Ingebretson – Ingebretson’s,  “Representing our 90 year old store, and Norwegians everywhere.”

Paige Wagner – Twin Cities Hoopers,  We will hoop in any weather, and always enjoy it!

I also cruised the parade line up, and asked costumed people what they represented. The official word from HOBT is from the program parade sections.

Douglas-  Crow with nest and three young.  ” Representing the collective aspect and the protectiveness of crows for their nest.”

Mick Adams – Crow,   “I’m a Crow because my grandchildren are, representing the dark side of crows, before the dawn.”

First person in Parade (name unintelligible with large oval mask)  “Am ‘making way Grandma’, sweeping path for the parade!”

Minko – Crow,  “I am a Crow because we have CAuse to unite! Caaaw, Caaawsss

Heather Ferguson – Rabbit,  “The Rabbits are sensitive with large ears and they hear. They hear about things going on in the world. They get scared and put on armor to protect themselves. ”

Kelly – Dodo,  “I don’t know, maybe ask him? I am not sure? Extinction is a bad thing? ”

John – Horse,  “Well I am more like a mammal, I swing both ways. We don’t have a knowledgible representative here. ”

Andrew Hommer – Dog, ” I decided it is fun to be the vilan every once in a while. Working for the big corporations, taking it from the poor. ”

Willow –  Crow,  ” A banner holder. Cause for Alarm, so we need to make some noise! ”

Last Man in the Official Parade:

Onayemi Ogunkoye – (Playing dunun drums in wagon.) ,  ” Proud to be a part and serving my community. Community of Light,  Solar Power!”