Everybody Loves a Parade

San Franciscans aren't the only big city folk getting out and celebrating in the rainbow-decked streets. In the midst of controversy, loss and oppression, New Yorkers continue to step out and celebrate, commemorate and solemnize. Over the past week, gatherings — large and small, planned and impromptu — have been popping up all over Manhattan. Some highlights:

• Michael Jackson dance parties. From Washington Square Park up to Harlem's Apollo Theater, Jackson fans came out in numbers to celebrate the King of Pop.
• The Pride Parade. With the gay marriage debate looming, this year's festivities were more than a party; they were a call to awareness and action. Supporters including Governor Paterson were out in full force as the March down Fifth Avenue commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
• For the second Wednesday in a row, demonstrators gathered silently by candlelight in Union Square to stand in solidarity with Iranians in protest of election results.
• Mermaid Parade in Coney Island is one of the official celebrations for the start of summer and pays homage to the New Orleans-style parades of the early 20th century. This year Harvey Keitel played King Neptune and his wife Daphna played his Queen Mermaid. A slideshow of some noteworthy participants.