As Minneapolis St. Paul prepared for the Republicans to roll into town, local activists from both sides of the river have been working hard plan events, concerts, protests, and other ways to get their message heard.
The Liberty Parade in downtown Minneapolis’ Loring Park was one such event.
Designed to let art be the messenger and prove that politics don’t have to suck, The Liberty Parade was more a celebration of shared values (free speech, equality) than just another partisan protest.
Kicking off at 1pm, artists of all walks of life rode, crawled, limped, skipped and floated down Nicollet Mall in a freakshow display of causes and messages. There were art cars, Missile Dick Chicks, a 10 person pedaled bike-car, Ron Paul supporters, Ron Paul haters, the Small Talk Skip Team and even the Border Cruiser. The crowd was rather small but very vocal and spirited.
The parade finished in Loring Park, where bands and vendors were being set up. Particularly notable was the Sustainable Living Roadshow Bus, a traveling tool to explain to people what living a life of sustainability means. All of the bus’ electricity is collected through solar energy panels on top of the vehicle. Batteries below store the electricity and convert it for use. The group of 10 volunteers ride in style, the interior woodwork is made from recycled bamboo and the bedding is made from recycled rubber and hemp materials.
Music started at around 2, with sets by some of the most buzz-worthy local bands around, including Vampire Hands, who joked about freedom and smoking while pregnant. Local jazz stalwarts Happy Apple rounded things out with an improvised set of jazz, rock and pop. In between bands, the crowd was subject to a barrage of political posturing from such wide-ranging topics as marijuana legalization, Libertarianism, environmental issues, and the voting process. Colleen Rowley, FBI whistle blower, spoke to a small but attentive group.
STNNNG and Building Better Bombs rocked the slowly growing crowd until headliners and beloved punk icons Dillinger Four performed their first ever show outside. The crowd, who had mostly been sitting all day, rose to their feet and there was no lack of fist pumping to these catchy punk anthems. The day wrapped just after 7 and people dispersed, but not after a day of positive vibes, a message of hope and a celebratory spirit.
Photos by Robyn Lewis and Adam Bubolz
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