Something that doesn’t get a lot of mention is the FestivALL Art Parade.
A lot of people miss Regatta’s Funeral Parade, which still happens, though seems smaller now that there’s no Regatta.
The Art Parade is pretty good, too. It’s noisy and slowly evolving into kind of weird. You really never know who or what is going to be part of the thing. This year, among the things to look for are two characters for Eamon Hardiman’s Pork Chop films.
Don't take bacon bits from strangers, kids
I think he calls them “Porkchop” and “Pig Girl” and I’d be perfectly happy if we could somehow make these two King and Queen of FestivALL –but I’m a dreamer.
Actually, I’m all for pushing the odder side of things. I’d love to see the cast from Chillers, a zombie marching band (Charleston has embraced its zombies, hasn’t it?), one or more Christian Biker Associations, the local Truthseekers group handing out pamphlets, the Mothman and Kevin Costner dressed as Robin Hood (I figure he owes us that for making a movie about West Virginia that was shot in Transylvania).
None of these things are scheduled to appear at the parade –as far as I know.
Anyway, the parade gets underway tomorrow at 10 a.m. on Capitol Street and ends down at the Capitol Market, where they say the participants will be milling around and you can listen to some live music. Also, Capitol Roasters has Mexican Organic Coffee, which is my absolute favorite.