Happy Chinese New Year! Part 1 of 2 (Dial-up warning - 8 pics)

[HappyCynic]

I went to the annual Chinatown parade and got a few shots. I've split the photos in two sets to make it a bit easier for those with a slower connection. Here's the first batch, consisting of mainly miscellaneous shots. The second batch of photos is of the lion dancers. It was raining this year so I managed to get right up front and stay there. Still had a problem with people getting in the way of my shot. Half were people stepping into the street (and into my shot) to take a photo or record on camcorder. The other half were people passing out stuff to the crowds. (Also had some minor issues with umbrellas but since I was in front, it wasn't too big a problem.)

Here's a block of the firecrackers going off. Not a great shot but it's the first time I've managed to catch a firecracker "in action".


This is one of the old police cars. Someone mentioned it's the same type that was first used in the city.


It's the year of the rabbit, hence the two bunnies.


This is the Carnival Band. They show up a lot of the different events and always in strange outfits. For the Olympics, they were playing in the street in formal wear (ball gowns and white suits). I've also seen them play in full animal suits. I'm not a musician nor do I have an ear for music (from a technical standpoint) so I don't know how good they are but they always seem to be having fun.


The one and only float in the parade. I'm glad it's a science-related one rather than some big vapid ad.


And finally, some performers (not sure if that's the right term but it's probably as close as I can get). First are some with flags.


Next, some with fans.


And finally, some more with fans.

[Solly Mack]

1. I love the color!

Thank you! Great photos!!

[Callalily]

2. I'm in total agreement with

Solly. The colors are fantastic, especially in the fan picture!

[HappyCynic]

6. Thanks

I wanted to get some good shots of the performers with the umbrellas that you see in the last photo. Unfortunately, that was the time a number of people decided to wander into my shot (a number of which were people handing stuff out to the crowds so I couldn't really say anything).

[Mira]

3. Great report. Makes me feel like I get to be there too. Tindalos used to

photograph this event and show us photos, if I'm correct. Where is she? Did you run across her? :)

[HappyCynic]

5. Haven't seen her

I haven't seen her this year. The weather was cold and wet so she may have stayed in the comfort of the indoors. Of course, with the number of people there, it would have been hard to run across her if she was there. I also miss her photos of the parade. Her photos of the parade were always better than mine.

[Mira]

8. Well! I did not know you two knew each other.

She had a different way of shooting it, but not any better.
I miss her and her photos. I hope she is OK>

[Blue_In_AK]

4. Great vibrant shots.

I love them (being a big fan of parades myself).

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

7. great job with the firecracker!

:bounce: I like 'em all!