Monroe Park Happenings- Tonight, Bicycle Parade!

Bicycle Parade info from FaceBook event page:

Come out for the monthly bicycle parade!
Every last Friday of the month!
6pm in Monroe Park

Bring a freaky bike or your everyday rider
Bring your own flags, costumes, music, etc!!
(BBQ Bikes get extra credit)

Riders of all sorts and skill levels welcome
Pace will be casual, set for the slowest rider
Marshals will help communicate and keep the ride safe from car traffic

UPDATE: -The first direction of the parade will be passing by the Federal Courthouse at 7th and Broad, where our friends are holding a rally and march against US military involvement in Syria.
We are changing the normal route and making a pass by the demonstration as a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the struggle in Syria, as well as to support the message against US involvement. So, we encourage folks to bring signs, flags, etc to show support.
The ride will only pass by, and continue on from there, but anyone is welcome to depart and join the demonstration.

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Speaking of Syria, there is a 9 am protest against war at Syria at Monroe Park on Saturday, part of the international morning of protests happening around the world. And , speaking of protests, although it is not happening in Monroe Park , there is the March on Richmond for Jobs and Freedom on Saturday as well:

People from across the Richmond region will march for fairness, social justice, and expanded business and employment opportunities. We will gather at Festival Park behind the Richmond Coliseum by 9:00 a.m. Marchers will depart at 10:00 a.m. and proceed to the Bell Tower on Capitol Square for an 11:00 a.m. rally. The March on Richmond commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

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At the same time, it is worth noting that VCU is still putting up obnoxious signage everywhere. VCU just installed banners on the northern side of Monroe Park on light poles situated on the sidewalk right of way. They even installed one in front of the Prestwould. Have these passed muster with the City’s Department of Public Works? Monroe Park is Richmond’s oldest and most historic municipal PUBLIC park, listed on both the state and the federal registers of historic places. Are these signs a measure foreshadowing a takeover of the park by VCU and the proposed lease with the Monroe Park Foundation?

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