Saint Patty Protest: Leprechauns against boring parades...
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Calling themselves "Artists for Inclusion" a NY arts group, mock-seriously
protested the St. Paddy Parade. 
The annual New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade is one of America's most established parades and is hosted by the "Ancient Order of Hibernians" who have made news by not allowing gay groups to march in the event... An issue that brings out protesters every year.
Claiming that they had been barred from last years parade, the Kostume Kult arts group proclaimed costumers to be "a repressed minority" and vowed to join the gay protesters in protest of the exclusivist Saint Patrick's Day Parade. With ornate costumes, farcical signs and over-the-top attitude, these activists made their point with style.
Congregating
at the protestor corral at 58th street and 5th avenue, the protestors brought
a new element to the parade. At the corral were several confused cops who finally
allowed this "protest' to go forth. With no gay groups in sight, these
lucky leprechauns assumed the position.
Assembled amongst them was "Paddy"- an impressive leprechaun headed costumer, "Spanky O' Monkey"- a gorilla in a kilt with an accordion and several red-bearded Leprechauns. With signage proclaiming "Leprechauns against boring parades", "Let the Leprechauns march", "We are being repressed" and "Zzzzzzzzzzz", the protestors seemed to be protesting the parade while also mocking the act of protesting, in general.
One police officer commented as to the brilliance of this ruse (to get such
a great spot), while a parade marshal angrily complained that the protestors
were causing marchers to break ranks for photo-ops. This is a very military
styled parade and the marshals were visibly upset by the disruption.
As the parade rolled by, the protesters were greeted with smiles, high-5's,
hugs and only a few stern looks. One Irish brogued photographer said that they
would never keep costumes such as these out of a parade in Ireland. By the end,
one protestor admitted that it was more fun protesting than marching would have
been. "Next year, the parade is Saturday" he said. "Just wait
til you see what we do then" …
Activism or farce?
Pictorial at Costume Network Gallery
