Signs Of The Times When "Occupy Wall Street" Movement Invaded Washington Square Park

Academy Award nominated actor, Mark Ruffalo expressing his support for Occupy Wall Street

Occupy Wall Street demonstrators marched from Lower Manhattan's Zuccotti Park to Washington Square Park this afternoon. A peaceful rally was held and the protesters expressed themselves through signs, costumes and discussion, and made their case against corporate greed that led to financial inequities and a damaged economy.  "Occupy Wall Street" is now entering its fourth week, and is seemingly gaining strength as the movement spreads to other U.S. cities.

Heat Wave

New Yorkers have been doing everything they can to cool off since oppressive heat has gripped the New York area. The city has opened public "cooling centers" (air-conditioned public spaces), and set up water fountains in high-traffic areas throughout the city. In Washington Square Park, kids and adults alike find some relief wading in the park's central fountain (pictured above last weekend). 

The fountain and Washington's arch are the two prominent features of Washington Square Park which is bordered by Washington Square North (Waverly Place east and west of the park), Washington Square East (University Place north of the park), Washington Square South (West 4th Street east and west of the park), and Washington Square West (MacDougal Street north and south of the park).

SANTAcon New York 2009: Scenes At Washington Square Park

SantaCon is a mass gathering of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes parading in public places like the streets, parks, train stations and in bars in cities around the world. The focus is on spontaneity and creativity, while having a good time and spreading cheer and goodwill. According to organizers, it is a "not-for-profit, non-political, non-religious and non-logical Santa Claus convention, attended for absolutely no reason." In New York City, the event started at 10:00 AM yesterday at different boroughs of the city, toured popular sites in Manhattan, and converged on Washington Square Park at around 3:00 PM. I captured these images mainly at Washington Square Park, a landmark public park in the Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village surrounded by buildings belonging to New York University.
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