PHOTOS: 17th annual Cone Parade in Richmond’s Carytown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The 17th annual Cone Parade took place in Richmond's Carytown area on Wednesday, helping bring in the new year with some cone-themed positivity. The parade began near the Aquarian Bookshop, located at 12 S. Thompson St. in Richmond. 8News spoke with Nick Lasky, the Cone Parade marshal, to answer a commonly asked question about the event -- why cones? "It stems from the fact that our planet and our solar system is moving through the cosmos in a spiral," Lasky said. "So we are connecting with the spiral nature that we're moving through the sky [with] and harnessing it to send energy, to send positivity." This annual tradition also offers an opportunity for the local community to get together and bring in the new year. "Ultimately, it's to just have fun," Lasky said. "It's to be crazy, it's to be wild and weird and dance and be with family and kids, and celebrate your creativity and really honor the new year." Continue scrolling to see photos from the cone-based, whimsy-filled event. (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News) (Courtesy of Paul Nevadomski, 8News)