The Easter Parade

(Easter Parade video)

The Easter Parade was started by the founder of the Monument Avenue Preservation Society, Zayde R. Dotts. The parade has been held every year since 1987. Easter on Parade has become an annual tradition in Richmond and currently is hosted by Venture Richmond. The parade proceeds down Monument Avenue, on Easter afternoon. Across a four-block radius from Allen to Davis Street there are many entertainment activities. There is music on each block with arts and crafts, activities for children, food, and people watching. There is also face painting and a petting zoo. Two popular events are the People Bonnet and Pet Bonnet showcases at Allen Avenue on the Main Stage. It is estimated that between 35,000-50,000 people that participate in this event. Admission to the parade is free.

The event is not a float parade filled with cars and giant balloons. It is more a collection of costumed people and their pets, musicians, and performance artists. As the Discover Richmond website reports, “ Typically, many women and a few men wear hats decorated with fake flowers, plastic eggs and stuffed rabbits. Dog owners dress their pets in everything from a Harley-Davidson denim jacket to a bumblebee ensemble. Area residents watch the parade from their balconies and toast the best dressed.”

Sources:
Venture Richmond website
Brick Weekly website
Discover Richmond website
Richmond.com website

Profile prepared by Cat McCarthy
April, 2008

Share