Although for some time a leading light of the art car movement, Minneapolis had to bid a “see you later” to its Parade in 2008, with a lack of funding meaning that it could not go ahead for a year. However, 2009 saw it return with a smile in its face, absence having truly made the heart grow fonder. It was as though 2008 had never happened (which, in a way, it had not for art car enthusiasts. This year, on July 25th, the Parade was back and, in many people’s views, better than ever. Either way, it is good to see it back.

The parade route took the participants, including cars, bikes, boats and even one particularly impressive couch, around Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet. The local population took to the parade route to welcome back something that has now become an important part of Minneapolis art in general. Here is hoping it never goes away again. A pretty packed calendar for this year will see a few more events yet, before the art car bonanza kicks off again in 2010 with Minneapolis’ unique and charming Art cars on Ice event. If you live in or near Minneapolis, it really is worth seeing – and if you happen to be in the area, pop along.