Angie had never been to an event like this – she was excited by the crowds and asked lots of questions. Behind her Tina and Bette held hands as they looked around.

The first sight they saw were giant puppet skeletons – Angie laughed in delight

“They are cool “ she declared as the puppets extended towards the crowds and one giant puppet hand passed only a few metres from them.

“Wow “ said Tina “You weren’t wrong – this is awesome Bette “

“After 9/11 this was the first big event that went on – normally it’s the skeletons that lead the parade – its their day after all but after 9/11 it was a giant puppet Phoenix – I watched it on You tube and I cried so much “

“What’s coming next Angie ?” Tina asked as Angie lent forward – Tina had on protective hand on her daughter’s shoulder

There were more puppets which thrilled Angie, there was 20 Shreks resplendent in green, more skeletons, a giant Wall-E which came so close to Angie that she touched it. After ten minutes there was the inevitable mixture of blood splattered zombies and characters who looked like they had been in a serious accident

“You okay ?” Bette asked crouching down

“They don’t look realistic to me “ she said

“No – totally unrealistic “ Bette agreed

Several puppet dinosaurs marched past them as Angie clapped and laughed. Next came several Star Wars zombies who were throwing candy to the children – Angie scrambled down and gathered some up

“I’ll take those for later “ Tina said

“This might be akward “ Bette said

“Why ?”

Bette gestured down the street where a group of barely dressed women were coming towards their vantage point .

“What shall we do if the walking penises start appearing “

“Flee “ Tina said laughing “ Is it likely ?”

“I have seen some sights – there is a parade that is very safe in Washington Square Park – its for children . I just thought she would like this one better “

“She’s okay Bette – if there is anything that I don’t want her to see I will distract her “