Saturday morning before 10AM began with a choice—walk, or ride the shuttle bus that picks up parade-goers between the Hilton and the Marriott. Many brave souls made the walk, but I was not one of them. I will say, the shuttle bus was air conditioned.
Groups formed up in a multi-level parking garage around eight blocks from the convention center. Signs indicated the location to stand and wait. The fortunate were below decks, protected from the unrelenting rays of the Atlanta morning sun. I stood above with the marching band, the Cult of the Carpet, and a myriad other groups, under dual rays of the sun as it reflected from a skyscraper across the street.
Boy Scouts roamed the lot offering chilled cans of Smart Water to keep participants hydrated in preparation for the march to come. Then we waited. I strategically repositioned to a spot outside of the parade preparation parking lot to avoid the dual-sun’s oppressive heat, and watched dozens of walkers interact with Merlin, the gate keeper, who allowed passage for those unfortunate few who forgot their badges or wristbands. Tongue-in-cheek (promise not to tell anyone?) the secret phrase to get in was “princess.”
Before I knew it, volunteers were collecting bull horns and the time had come. The Horns of Gondor sounded (not really,) and we were off down Peachtree Street NW! Dragon Con was kind enough to let volunteers march directly behind the “Dragons” group so we could get back to our volunteering duties. They delivered the banner for us to carry, and we were off!
In the beginning, there were two of us. Volunteers are very busy making sure Dragon Con can be the best experience possible for all con-goers, and as such the volunteer marching numbers were limited—to say the least. We were joined by a third just before the parade began, who walked behind and cheered as the other volunteer and myself hoisted the “Volunteer” banner to begin our march.
It was incredible. Anyone who watches the parade knows it is magical. Participating was an experience that compounded that experience. Cheering crowds, waving hands, happy vibes. Countless smiling faces.
The parade is around a mile long, and it went by in the blink of an eye. It was a blur of positivity and exaltation, a celebration of Dragon Con distilled into a single event. If you have never been to the parade, you should go. And if you are considering experiencing it from the inside, you absolutely should! Sign up! Walk! Experience the magic of Dragon Con in a truly unique way.
The pictures below are just a small taste of the experience:
