Hipstory
OF NEW YORK RAINBOW
NY Rainbow is an unofficial Tribe of Volunteers, consisting of individuals, who have co-created Free Events, Gatherings and Drum Circles in the NY area. As individuals we've learned that changing the world begins with being kind to one another. The faces may change, but the Spirit, which flows through us all, is consistent and keeps flowing on. These events are a natural flow of humanity's desire to share and care.
In the winter of 1982 NY city folks, who gather with the Tribes under the Rainbow in National Forests throughout the USA, wanted to see more of each other and hold regional get-togethers in this metropolitan area.
NY Rainbow started out as potluck dinners with councils open to anyone wishing to participate. One of the councils came up with the idea of picnics to bring together folks who could not get away to share the beauty of the Rainbow Gatherings. As there are no National forest lands here the idea of using the city parks was explored. The NY City parks are held in trust for the people of this city and the stewards are the Parks Department which is very similar to the way National Forest lands are set up with the Forest Service as the stewards.
The very first picnic was held on May 17, 1983 in Central Park at Frisbee Hill. Flyers were handed out and information shared via word of mouth. 300 folks joined in the Circle for Peace, a 50' picnic cloth was laden with delicious food and there were games for children of all ages. The drums beat out tribal rhythms and the dancers twirled. Rain threatened with the occasional drizzle, but held off until the picnic was over. "How can you have a Rainbow without rain?" was often repeated that day. The first picnic was quite a success with more folks wanting to attend so NY Rainbow did another the next year and then the next. This picnic has been continuing ever since on the 3rd Sunday of May in Central Park.
In 1987 The Brooklyn folks wanted to share their area with everyone so they created a picnic held the 2nd Sunday of October in Prospect Park at Nethermead. This picnic has a different tone from the one in Central Park. Prospect Park is more country because of the setup of the park. Come join everyone at this traditional fall picnic.
One winter when the doldrums of being confined were being expressed the council consensed on holding a 'Dead Of Winter Party' and for years it was in Coney Island at the Sideshows by the Sea. It was wonderful to be part of the Circles for Peace on the beach. When Sideshows lost their beach place these parties moved into Manhattan.
The folks near Forest Park decided back in the mid 80's to hold a Rainbow Picnic in June which is still an ongoing event. There is so much Rainbow energy in NYC that the Picnics are very popular. There are many events as soon as the weather turns warm from the beach parties at Coney Island to the picnics at Riverside Park. The first Sunday of every month is the NY Rainbow Potluck & Council. See the events page for a list of what is happening, how to get information and how to participate in making these events happen.
As time went on NY Rainbow became more than the Magic Hat was able to maintain. This is when some individuals began the NY Rainbow Benefits. Over the years there have been many terrific performances we've all enjoyed. Green energy generated from these benefits/Fun-d'Raisers fund the Free events from Bubbles to Zuzu's, the Rainbow Bridge newsletter, NY Rainbow's Post Office Box, the NY Rainbow Lightline and NY Rainbow gives generously to the Magic Hats of The Annual Gathering of the Tribes and Regional Gatherings.