TRINIDAD — With perfect weather conditions overhead, the ArtoCade art car parade, descended upon historic downtown Trinidad last Saturday afternoon. Dozens of cars from as far away as Massachusetts and Houston, Texas rolled, lurched, and belched fire and steam through the brick streets. Themes of the decorated cars included political commentary (99% vs. 1%) military pride, cultural (Dia de los Muertos), animal rights, dental hygiene, medical marijuana, fine art (Jackson Pollack inspired car) and simply silly or sublime, depending upon personal taste. Of note was a truck wrapped entirely in cow fur with horns that breathed steam out of the nostrils while the steer vehicle mooed down the streets. A car covered with broken shards of mirrors entitled “Shattered Vanity” created a disco ball light show as it moved through the town. An art teacher from Houston, Texas brought a student and two of her elaborately festooned vehicles. The teacher, Rebecca Bass, has worked with her kids on 28 art car projects. After the procession, a blank canvas
car, painted starkly white, was parked in a vacant lot. Children were given an opportunity to express their creativity by painting the car Some of the vehicles were human powered and the parade included costumed roller blade skaters who added an air of whimsy to the proceedings. This was a family friendly, fun event that was a pure joy to witness.
