SAN FRANCISCO — While other major cities around the world held peace rallies Saturday, a demonstration planned in San Francisco was held back a day to make way for the city's traditional Chinese New Year's parade.
Revelers braved an evening drizzle to watch the parade, with some planning to return for the protest on Sunday.
"This is a parade-packed weekend," said Lee Hacohen, 39, who was attending his first Chinese New Year's celebration.
Hacohen said he was unsure if he would also attend the antiwar protest, but some parade-goers were already expecting a two-event weekend.
Chris Andoe, 28, said he and a friend decided they would spend Saturday night watching the parade, but the two drove from their homes in St. Louis for the peace demonstration.
"Bush's policies endanger Americans and enrage the world," he said.
War protest organizers said they were happy to make an accommodation.
"It's a good way to spend a weekend," Howard Wallace of Bay Area United Against War said of the New Year's parade. "It's a win-win for both of us."
Plans for the parade included floats featuring everything from giant China dolls to a life-size Elvis Presley, and a 200-foot-long Golden Dragon carried by 100 people.
"I'm part Chinese, so it's something I make time for every year," said Myra Ravanal, 38, as she awaited the start of the parade.
The one-day delay was not expected to diminish the anti-war demonstration. A protest in January drew around 150,000 people, according to police estimates, and organizers expected even more Sunday. Scheduled speakers included actor Danny Glover, author Alice Walker and singer-songwriter Joan Baez.
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