The Cardboard Animal Parade that invaded Precita Park on Saturday evening turned out to be the perfect event, at the perfect time, in the perfect spirit to remind many Bernalese who we really are. As a dozen or so cardboard creatures milled about near the benches in front of HIllside Supper Club, a ragtag marching band tuned up to play, and Bernal neighbors of all ages came out to enjoy the ad hoc festivities.

Your Bernalwood editor tracked down Paul, one of the artists who helped coordinate the parade. Paul confessed that he’d had some anxiety about organizing something so frivolous at a time when the state of the world seems so grim, but in the end, he said, it seemed like the right thing to do.

He was right. The willfully apolitical Cardboard Animal Parade provided a much-needed reminder that we’re not alone, and we’ll all get through this together.

Bernalwood shared a live video broadcast just as the parade was getting underway, and we witnessed the the opening ceremonies, the band, and the emergence of the Parade Butterfly from his crumpled cardboard cocoon. If you couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed:

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. It was wonderful!

PHOTOS: Telstar Logistics