Easter Parade

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Me at the Easter Parade

Even though I've lived in Manhattan half my life (and was born here) I've never been to the Easter Parade, mostly because I'm usually out of town Easter weekend.  But, I've always wanted to go and this year I finally made it to the tail end (no pun intended).  It was another "first" of sorts today as I made a selfie video standing in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Note to selfie:  put on some make up and have someone else shoot the video.....Vanity aside, I've uploaded it here mostly because I want to show off my hat.  It's so rare to get to wear a hat in NYC, that I relish the opportunity.  This hat, from Lord & Taylor, was a gift from a (now ex) boyfriend one Easter.  He was also enterprising enough buy a lovely hat box for it. I haven't worn it in a long time, but am glad I had the opportunity today.

My Easter 'Bonnet' and hat box

New York's famed Easter Parade started in the 1870's and was, of course, featured in the 1948 movie "Easter Parade" starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.  My mom introduced me to the movie at some point when it had already become a classic, and ever since it's been one of my favorites.  Today the hats are a little more kitsch than glamour, but still a lot of fun to look at.   Below are photos of some of the creative Easter bonnets I saw on Fifth Avenue today, and a glimpse at other Easter traditions I spied as I wandered up and down the avenue.  I don't know any of the people in the photos, they were just very cooperative strangers enjoying the parade.

This is a hat of fresh flowers the lady was carrying

When I ventured into Rockefeller Center there were a lot of giant eggs, decorated by various artists and designers as part of a giant egg hunt.  While not exactly accessories, in the spirit of Easter I'll share two I thought were particularly pretty:

And, who doesn't love a giant bunny topiary balancing a giant egg on his nose?

What is Easter without chocolate eggs or chocolate anything?  Chocolatiers like Teuscher and Godiva were doing big business today.

The beautifully decorated window at Teuscher

Making chocolate dipped strawberries at Godiva

Just as I was about to turn off Fifth Avenue and head home I spotted the most adorable baby bunny...

Happy Easter everyone!  May this season of rebirth bring us all peace and tranquility.