Why is it Raining on our Parade?
This year the fursuit parade was expanded into a short street tour around downtown Magdeburg. For the first time, the event did not take place during the weekend, as to avoid a date collision with today's Christopher Street Day Parade. Still, locals showed keen interest, as the event had been announced in the local paper for days in advance.
Some time before noon, suiters started to gather in the lobby. After the official fursuiters' group photo shoot, with dozens of camera enthusiasts taking shots from the balcony, the parade was ready to depart. Unfortunately the weather had already shown signs of deteriorating. By this time, despite loudspeaker announcements, there was some uncertainty and the group splintered as some would decide against leaving or would run back quickly after a few steps. "I decided to visit the Dealers' Den instead," a Finnish fursuiter reveals later. Others moved on to brave the conditions.
Despite the threatening weather locals were out and enthusiastic about the suiters. Children, in particular, delighted in interacting with the critters. Local media made approaches to interview the participants along the route. By halfway, furthest away from the hotel, the slight rain turned into a downpour. One participant noted that his suit got thoroughly soaked. Without the weather intervening, the parade would have probably been a complete success. (hhp)
Author: hHP