I've ridden in the parade the past few years and it really is an amazing event! It's the highlight of my summer. In Gasworks Park I was sitting with the girl painted purple and the harlequin painted girl (btw, they were part of the Where's Waldo ensemble a couple of years ago); funny, Klondike, you didn't get me in any of your shots.
However, I congratulate you on your great photography. The estimate this year was about 500 riders in total. Looking at all of these pictures brings home to me how big it was. Even though I was in the middle of it I swear that I actually saw less than half of the riders. One thing I do want to say is that as the parade has gotten bigger and more well-known, unfortunately there have been more and more complaints from the women about rude and aggressive photographers. The riders really, truly are just a bunch of normal people. They aren't performers and their attitude toward being photographed varies widely. Everyone knows that they'll be photographed during the ride but many people are uncomfortable with it at the painting party and at Gasworks Park. I'm not accusing anyone of anything -- I love the parade photos, too -- but be polite, don't assume that people want to be photographed, and ask permission. Besides, wouldn't you rather have a photo with a happy, smiling face than one giving the camera a dirty look? Personally, I'm already looking forward to next year's ride!