Posted by john / sherri on June 28, 2006 at 07:35:04:
In Reply to: Re: Freemont Summer Solstice pics & a comment posted by Riverslug on June 27, 2006 at 23:52:37:
Riverslug, I checked out that pic...and you're correct, the MOMS are most definitely smiling....and I'll bet they snuck more than a peek or two of the penises on parade. The little boy in the red shirt appeared to be covering his forehead more than his eyes....exactly what I would have done at his age hoping MOM wouldn't notice me cheating..lol.
Every year in May we have an event here in Birmingham called DoDah Day, at which people bring their pets to one of the inner city parks for an all day festival and all of the proceeds go to the Humane shelters in the area. It kicks off on a saturday morning with a parade in which many people & their dogs are dressed in crazy costumes to the delight of the crowds. A couple of years ago a rather attractive, shapely young lady was riding in the back of a p/u truck in an inflatable pool with her labrador retriever. She occasionally rose up on her knees to show off her bikini clad body to the crowd, and some guy in the crowd yelled out.."show your puppies!!".He was roundly booed and hissed at, and I knew then that it was doubtful that I'd ever capture any Cocco-worthy pics to contribute from Birmingham, Alabama.
: I covered both the World Naked Bike Ride and the Fremont Parade this year in Seattle. People's reaction to the WNBR are more indicative of attitudes there because so many come across the riders unexpectedly. I was curious to see how folks would react when the bikers hit the Seattle Center. Mostly though, I noticed nothing more than bemused looks with a little embarrassment mixed in. But then there was THIS reaction (click here: http://www.ufoseries.com/bike/photos/DSCF3886.html) which was posted to the Seattle WNBR site. So not EVERYONE here is smiling and so comfortable with the nudity! Actually, the MOMS are smiling (even though they don't want their children to enjoy the sights). Personally, I would enjoy the sight of the moms naked in the race, but thats beside the point....:)
: Anyway, I used to think of Seattle as not being very tolerant of public nudity (there aren't any good nude beaches there anymore). But it depends on what part of the city you are in. I don't think this parade would have played too well in the suburbs, but thats because suddenly people tend to become parents there looking out for their kids. The Fremont district, though, is very progressive and lots of folks (many from the suburbs) probably left the kids at home.
: As the bikers ride by, people cheer and hoot. They also scream "down in front" if you are a photographer in the street blocking their view. So, yeah - everyone has a good time. And I bet a lot of people in Birmingham would have a good time too if they weren't so worried about what the pastor would say the next Sunday.
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: Riverslug