Monument Ave. Easter Parade

The annual Easter Parade took place on Monument Avenue this afternoon. It was a bright, crisp day in the Fan District, and as is the custom that had thousands of people milling around on a quarter-mile, closed-to-motor-traffic stretch of Richmond’s most famous street to take in the sights. But this parade is a participatory event. So, the lookers were also the lookees. Funny hats, fancy outfits and costumes and were plentiful, which made this ritual -- as always -- a paradise for people-watchers:

There was dancing in the street.

The Taters were harmonizing.

The accompanist appeared on the balcony.

Sami and Kevin made the best of the day.

Big Daddy was on the job.

Hats were judged on a platform in front of the Lee Monument.

Amplified gospel music filled the spring air in the Fan District.

Since there were almost as many dogs on hand as people, dogs in costumes were judged, too.

For lots of old friends who ran into one another on Monument Avenue the citizens parade became a reunion.

Photos by SLANT. Click on any picture to enlarge it.