NYCity Mama and family decided to venture into historic Park Slope where they were kicking off festivities with a parade of their own.  They made plans to meet up with friends, and headed out. With it’s brownstones, strong sense of community, and proximity to the gorgeous Prospect Park as well as Manhattan, it is no wonder this has become the place to escape to for many families with children.

Mama and family coordinate to meet up with their friends at their local playground of choice, Harmony Playground in Prospect Park and 9th St.  Once Mama arrived, sensed this was “the place to be” for local parents. Aside from it’s large size, with tons of room to run around and play for the little ones, it also seemed that this was the place where local parents met up with other parents also forced to leave the comfort of their beds and homes on an early Sunday morning in order to provide their energetic little ones some playtime.  Pretty much every parent had a coffee cup in hand, as they conversed with each other about the stock market, the last PTA meeting, and whatever other things other parents casually talk about while their kids run around and tire themselves out.  It’s a wonderful play area, surrounded by the lush greenery of Prospect Park, with easy access to public transportation and shops a few blocks away.

Mama really craved a cup of coffee.  Her friend suggested she get some from Connecticut Muffin, only a few blocks down. She her and 11 year old made their way down when she suddenly she could hear the bagpipers warming up and saw people starting to congregate along Prospect Park from 7th St.  She loves the sound of the bagpipes, but more so the site of men in kilts. That, and for the fact that her husband is Irish, is why she loves this Holiday so much.

The street was already bustling with people, though not the insane amount of people that one will expect to find along 5th Ave in Manhattan on the 17th (the actual Holiday).  But for Mama this was an incredible blessing.  Large crowds and small children are an awful combination. When she arrived at the coffee shop it was, of course, crowded, so Mama gave up on the idea, and made her way back, without coffee, but excited from seeing all the people ready to celebrate!

The parade was great fun, and she, her friends, and her family, really had an awesome time, and after grabbing a few free GREEN bagels given to her by no other than Brooklyn’s own Borough President, Marty Markowitz, she felt she was in the spirit, feeling Irish, and ready to celebrate!