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.