It was certainly a glorious day for the Parade of Masks, a fact that made the overall medieval theme feel even more appropriate. With fools leading damsels and wizards, with Dragons and horses pursued by knights,

Now in past years, the parade has been held close to beginning of the schoolday. This year however, Geyser Road chose to schedule the march at the end of the school day. A change that seemed to be considered a favorable one, judging by the size of the crowds waiting. Though the bright sun, the not too cool temperatures, and the gorgeous foliage a little over a third of the way thorugh turning might have helped encourage parrents to attend as well.

While last years masks had a more african feel to them, this year the theme was more medieval european. Of course masks in general have been used around the world for probably the entirety of human history.

If you love masks and certainly your children do, take a visit to the Tang Museum at Skidmore College. The Tang has an exhibit West African Masquerade which will be on display until December 29.

The exhibit display large color photographs in amazing detail of masks from Nigeria, Benim and Burkina Fuso. These photos by Phyllis Galembo were taken at village ceremonies and rituals.

You might incorporate the visit to the exhibit with a Tang Family Saturday. These programs are from 2 to 3:30 through December 15 (not Saturday Nov 24). The programs fill rapidly and reservations are recommended - 580-8080.