The concept of Tactical Frivolity rose to prominence in the 1990s as the British group Reclaim The Streets (RTS) championed the concept of turning a protest into a full blown party. The images from the streets were shifting: the phrases on poster boards were witty, absurdist, crass, and catchy; the colors were pink, silver, sparkly, and bright; the people sang, danced, and drummed. This approach confused police and mainstream passersby who, expecting to see an armed, violent mob of lawlessness or a bland presentation of illegible messages, witnessed a carnival-like circus of kitsch, play, magic, humor, and joy.

Today, we are watching the resurgence of Tactical Frivolity in the streets, from Portland’s frogs to Chicago’s inflatable hot dogs, and now, to the countless creatures roaming the streets of our own Chaffee County.

You’ll see us in inflatables, or furry costumes or fairy wings. You’ll hear us chanting tongue twisters or singing songs from choruses of the civil rights movement.