The King Mango Strut, that venerable satirical street parade, is turning 30 on December 31st, a benchmark that in some ways signifies the passing of one era as it heralds the next. Abbey Hoffmann, a seminal figure in the era of change in the 60’s said to not trust anyone older than 30. If this is true, the King Mango Strut parade may be outliving its usefulness as a harbinger of social change.
But in this new age of distrust for authority and misuse of power by those entrusted to maintain it, a new form of dissent has manifested itself in the OWS (Occupy Wall Street) movement which has spread around the world as a touchstone of change and social awareness.
This awareness will manifest locally as the ‘Occupy the Grove’ movement on Saturday December 31st at 2PM in Coconut Grove as thousands plan to gather to take over and occupy the streets. Encouraged to bring their tents, I-pads and Facebook identities, these Americans of every stripe and view will, by their wireless technology, spread the word of the 99% whose voice demands to be heard.
These middle class minions represent an ‘endangered species’ as higher and higher fees have been imposed to ‘choke off’ this sarcastic street protest as a boa constrictor chokes off its prey.
Is a knight in shining armor willing to ride in and rescue this satirical damsel in distress? Will this Florida ‘endangered species of parody’ go the way of theChoctawhatchee Beach Mouse and theBlue-tail Mole skink?
Who is better at dealing with endangered species than Ron Magill who has been anointed as this year’s Grand Marshall. As they rolled out their choice of Grand Marshall at Greenstreet’s In the Grove last night the mood was ‘Party with the animals’.
The ‘Lion Sleeps Tonight’ performed by guitarist and singer Kenny Wynn and accompanied by the Mango Strutters, greeted Ron as he entered the room in an animal themed celebration. He took questions from the audience such as ‘What were you thinking?” and “How big is your snake?”
With over 30 years as a wildlife expert and Communications Director for Zoo Miami, Ron has allowed Burmese Pythons to encircle his neck much like the King Mango Strut encircles the Grove in its bid to ‘let the fun out’ and mock life.
As the Grand Marshall of the King Mango Strut parade, he’ll unsnarl the snake and reign over ‘Occupy the grove’.
The special celebrity guest of honor in the Mango Strut is Katy Sorenson, former County Commissioner and a rare politician who has never been indicted, accused or maligned. Her legacy however, will be forever tarnished with the broad brush of satire as a result of her involvement. What was she thinking?
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