2006 Hipistan-Ashbury Street Fair

Despite chill and fog, Haighties partied like it's 1969.

Tho the Haight Street Fair has two stages for bands, I prefer smaller performances, usually where Haight intersects with side streets.
This year my fave was a "drum circle" near the Goodwill shop,
where about a dozen musicians, dancers, and twirlers entertained the passing crowd.
[ Some of these performers appear often at the Hippy Hill drum circle, on weekend afternoons, nearby in Golden Gate Park. ]


As usual at outdoor events, I was displaying my "Nude Peace Day" signs. But this time
(unlike at Bay2breakers), I attracted very little attention, since I was fully clothed. Only a few folks noticed my message, including one who exhorted, "Rock on, Papa, rock on!"


I wasn't the only political demonstrator -- a few more were campaigning
for The Unknown Democrat ( you know, that "anti-Arnold" guy,
for whom I'll dutifully vote in November ).


My main picket sign, atop a flag pole, bears so many slogans and decorations that it's
hard to read (tho still easier to understand than SF's most famous picket sign, carried by our Intergalactic Protestor). When I see somebody struggling to read it, I offer them a leaflet -- as I did to a person who appeared to be a devotee of Shiva. Would-be readers are outnumbered by those who just take a photo and move on.

Another political (?) message was stencilled on the sidewalk:
"FIGHT THE SYTSEM".
( Is the spelling error deliberate? Your call. )


One intersection was being webcammed live.
So photos might be visible at

http://www.HashCam.com




-- Tortuga,
The City,
11 June 2006