39th Annual NYC Korean Parade 2019
Near the bottom of this page can be found an additional photo gallery.
On Saturday, October 5, 2019, the 39th annual NYC Korean Parade took place along the streets of 6th Avenue from 38th to 27th Street. The parade and corresponding festival is presented by the Korean American Association of Greater New York (KAAGNY).
It was a wonderful experience to be covering this annual affair that featured so many colorful outfits and wonderful cheerful faces. Many marchers sent great vibes my way through gestures and smiles. NYC has a population in the tens of thousands (actually nearing 100k) and with that in mind it’s a shame that the parade isn’t as bustling with participants as one might expect. Regardless, I’m happy to have been able to participate and look forward towards the 2020 celebration!
This year’s event featured a mixture of participants ranging from those in service uniforms; dignitaries; musicians and other performing artists; floats; procession of those carrying large displays of the American and Korean Flag; many in traditional costume and dress; very young martial artists; Families; members of the NYC Police Department and Fire Department; corporate sponsors and floats.
Police Department members marching in the parade featured the NYC Police Band; Korean American Officers Association; and NYPD Cadet Corps. Also on hand were members of the FDNY Phoenix Society whose “”objective is to be united in the effort of promoting the interests and welfare of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) personnel who are Asians, Asian Americans or those of Asian descent.”” You could also visit their Facebook page here. Organizations taking part include, amongst others, the Council of Korean Americans; Korean War Veterans Association of Greater New York; Korean Liberation Association of Greater NY; Korean-American Law Enforcement Advisory Council; New York Sangchoon Association Inc.; Goaheadmission; Kor-Ame Senior Mutual Association, NY (KASMA); YWCA of Queens; Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY); Chung Cheong Do Association of Easter USA; NYPPC Korean School; National Unification Advisory Council, New York Chapter; Korean American Family Service Center; WoonMoonsa Buddha Temple; Korean Traditional Music and Dance Institute of NY; Veteran’s Association of Korean American Navy; Korean-American Senior Citizen Society of Greater New York; Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.; Born Star Training Center; East-West School of International Studies Korean Class; LaGuardia Community College; Korean American Senior Citizen’s Association of New Jersey; K Runners; Korean American Rainbow Parents; MTA KMTAA.
Floats included Samsung; Baekje Cultural Festival; LG; The Korea Times.