I begged the tree cutters to leave this much of this old Black Locust for the squirrels, to no avail. This was one of the few pre-Civil War trees left in Tompkins Square Park. About a month ago it was burned. I knew it would at least have to be trimmed to avoid branches falling on people, but hoped they would leave the main body of the tree as a habitat for the squirrels and as a historical relic.
At least this much of the stump was left. Perhaps it will sprout in the Spring.
Pin Oak in the Peaceful Grove. The colors seem much more intense this year in Tompkins Square Park, more red and orange than last year and the year before. This is the third Fall that I’ve observed in the park since starting my Tompkins Trees project.
The same Pin Oak.
More of the Peaceful Grove. That’s what I call the area behind the offices and between the exercise areas. It is often much quieter than the rest of the park. You will find people practicing Tai Chi here in the morning.
After being cancelled by Hurricane Sandy last year, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade ran a Kickstarter campaign and raised $55,000 to make up for reduced sponsorship. And despite the threat of rain a huge crowd came to Sixth Avenue to participate and watch. Featured in the video are Superior Concept Monsters (The giant skeletal puppets that lead the parade), The Edward Morgan Ballet, The Hungry March Band, and Sir Turkey.
I made this quick easy iBrain costume that left me fully mobile. It got several laughs from those close enough to read it, but I was mostly in videographer mode, and not mugging for the crowd.
Pirate and Dr. Dooby on their way to the parade in the East Houston Street General Destruction Zone.
Queen Tut and undead friend on Spring Street.
Also on Spring Street. Could be Mark Jenkins but I don’t think so. It is not as meticulously done as his work.
I got there at 5 to mingled in the set-up area and avoid being trapped in the incredibly crowded pen for the non-organizational participants. I exited at 4th Street around 8 when my camera’s battery was dead. If I remember right the pen is not even opened until 9, it is absolute hell if you are in an elaborate costume.
