Rain doesn’t slow down the fun at Richmond’s Easter on Parade

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- For decades, people of all ages have gathered on Monument Avenue for Easter on Parade featuring music, games and the world-famous bonnets. However, this Sunday's event proved a little different with the rain.

At around 1:30 p.m. on Monument, rain began to pour, causing people to rush to covered tents and porches. Some parade goers huddled together with strangers and were welcomed by homeowners.

Others continued to stroll the brick streets on Monument and grabbed a bite from vendors.

"It's cool to see what is going on, especially because, first time, I don't know what to expect. Even if it's it raining, it's still just like all brand new experiences," said Richmonder Zade Cypert.

Those who walked also came across the Morris Men dancers, an English folk performance dating back to the 1300s and 1400s that marked the changing of seasons.

Performers from More or Less Morris in Richmond, the Albemarle Morris Men in Charlottesville and Mason Dixon Border Morris from the Washington metro have been coming to Easter on Parade for decades.

Peter Kleeman has been coming to Easter on Parade as a Morris dancer since the early 1980s.

"It's always a joy to come here and dance for the Richmond crowd. Any weather, we'll manage," he said.

The Morris dancers said they will be back in Richmond again, as they look forward to Easter on Parade each year.