Floats, costumes that ranged from Batman to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and people of all ages were present at Friday evening’s March March. The March March celebrates not only the arrival of True/False Film Fest each year, but also the arrival of the month of March and springtime.
The festival that hosts it welcomes the eccentricity of the event, encouraging attendees to “dress colorfully, to construct and carry fun props, to make noise and to push the level of imagination,” according to the festival’s website. This year’s event sought to incorporate the fest’s visual theme of “Stranger Host,” by encouraging interaction between previously unacquainted people.
The march started this year at the Boone County Courthouse in downtown Columbia, where various school bands, activist groups and enthusiastic festivalgoers congregated prior to the march. Local businesses chimed in as well, with the Columbia Public Library’s Book Bike making an appearance.
The floats and costumes were extravagant, with two elaborate frog floats standing out from the pack. At approximately 5:15 p.m., the march commenced, and the lively band headed down East Walnut Street as spectators watched from the roofs of nearby buildings like The Blue Note.
Police blocked off adjacent streets as the march continued down 9th Street, where Columbia natives Mobile Funk Unit performed songs like “Express Yourself” with their signature combination of brass and percussion.
The festivities continued well after the end of the march, with local dance group Jabberwocky performing favorites like the “Cupid Shuffle” on 9th Street outside of the Missouri Theatre and encouraging spectators to join in. MU’s drumline gave a performance as well that heralded the arrival of True/False, which has grown to become a Columbia tradition. Despite the cold weather, Columbia residents showed up with a festive spirit.
_Edited by Janae McKenzie | jmckenzie@themaneater.com_