ALBANY -- According to a schedule printed up by participants in the Occupy Albany movement, Saturday might best be described as a fun day for the protesters, replete with music, a historic walking tour of the city and a poetry slam. The events are planned despite predictions of some slushy, snowy weather.
They are also in contrast to the more pointed political actions on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday, some 90 or so activists filed into the state Capitol and held a boisterous protest in the building's ornate War Room just outside the governors' chambers. While Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in New York City, occupiers criticized the governor for his stated intention to let a temporary "millionaires tax" on high earners expire at the end of the year.
On Friday, they planned to march on Albany City Hall, just down the street, to protest Mayor Jerry Jennings' veto of a ban on hydrofracking that the city council had passed. The ban was largely symbolic since there has been no move by natural gas drillers to explore for gas in Albany. Most of that activity is taking place in the state's Southern Tier and western reaches.
While participants in the movement pride themselves on the lack of a hierarchy or a set of leaders or even hard-and-fast goals, the group, after completing a full week in the city's adjacent Academy and Lafayette parks, is looking ever-more organized and settled in.
Participants on Friday were equipped with flyers outlining Saturday's events, set to begin at 10 a.m. and run through 6 p.m.
They are also hoping to bring in other Occupy movements from a 100-mile radius, although participants were uncertain of where those other encampments were.
Also on tap for Saturday: a children's area and food.
The group appeared to be well stocked with supplies, ranging from canned goods to pretzels and large bags of peanuts as well as a dispensary for warm clothing.
Cooking areas have been set up and occupants of the roughly 60 tents were taking showers at the homes of participants who live in and around Albany, said Clarese Portofino of Albany.
"We're picking up after ourselves," Portofino said, noting that the food preparers even have plastic gloves.
"I've been here all week," added Siobhan Burke, who was putting the finishing touches on an anti-hydrofracking placard.
As for predictions of cold, wet weather, she said " I think that people are going to adapt. Activists are adaptable."
Reach Karlin at 454-5758 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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