Markeshia Ricks Photo
People got to learn Sunday, during the Historic Wooster Square 46th Cherry Blossom Festival, that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
And dance in the rain they did, thanks to weather that wasn’t just gray and chilly but at times in a full downpour.
While Carlos Santiago y Su Momento Musical Salsa Dancing played on in the last hour of the festival many people lingered among the blossomless tress as the rain started to come down. The annual event celebrated the park’s magical cherry blossoms, though scheduling involves guessing when they’ll be in bloom and hoping for cooeprative weather.
Elsie Chapman, who was named this year’s Friend of Wooster Square, said that while the turnout wasn’t as high as it was last year, she was impressed with how many people came out and made the best of the weather anyway.
These folks hung out under umbrellas and caught up with friends as the waterworks got underway …
… while others tried to get some much needed and appreciated hot caffeine from the Jitterbug Coffee Bus.
Santiago led the band in tunes that encouraged people to warm up with a little salsa, bachata, and meringue …
… inspiring this little guy to pick up his guitar and join the band.
Though the rain kept pouring faster, people kept arriving to check out what was left …
… and they enjoyed the music, discovering another great use for a New Haven pizza box.