A Pride-ful Parade

** Just an FYI, this post contains photos which may not be considered safe for work. But it's all in good fun. **

The weekend before last A and I looked at the summer festival schedule and one event practically popped off the web page: the 2010 Pride Parade. No need to read reviews of last year's parade; we knew it would be an entertaining afternoon (to say the least). Whatever you're envisioning in your head, multiply the madness, flamboyance, and the sheer numbers by about 100.

So we jumped on the Red line and headed north to Belmont. The train was already full when we boarded, and soon we've packed on so many people we no longer need to hold a hand rail. I feel bad for anyone who wasn't going to the parade because the crowd was loud, large, and giddy with excitement. Plus, some brilliant ridiculous fun person thought to bring speakers for his iPod and we all jammed out to Britney Spears and KeSha.



We arrived to find hundreds of people in the street mingling with vendors selling beads, flags, leis, stickers and shirts, and gradually making their way to the parade route. We passed by some religious groups attempted to pass out pamphlets (unsuccessfully) and pressed on to find a spot where we could actually see the floats. Being short, this mission was nearly impossible. We happened upon a section where we could stand at the edge of the sidewalk just behind the crowd on the street, so we had about a 5-inch boost.

Now, before I get to the photos, let me set the scene: It's about 83 degrees. Just finished raining, so still humid, but the sun is bright and hot when it breaks through the lingering clouds. Thousands upon thousands of people are pressed up against the parade rails. Many of them are dressed festively (fairy wings, hair dye, elaborate costumes), and they're all cheering and screaming even though the parade hasn't started yet. And finally, the cops on horseback ride down the yellow stripes, signaling the start of the madness.

One of the first floats featured the Stanley Cup, carried by defenseman Brent Sopel, who also brought along his wife and kids.

One of the Jewish associations had a colorful menorah on their float.

This was the first year the Cubs entered a float in the parade (apparently at the request of their new owner).

Many of the parade participants (and watchers) were dressed like the people on this float.

The future doctor A appreciated this float for their encouragement to live a healthy lifestyle.

Another form of healthy lifestyle encouragement - many floats were throwing them like beads.

Many of the trolleys were driven as floats... apparently Google sponsored one.

Cowboys did a line dance.

It's not a Pride parade if Cher isn't there!

These two guys were standing near us and posed for people's cameras. They also attempted to calm down the grumpy people trying to get past.

The crayon guys were very popular.

The Skittles motto just fit so well.

One of the parade souvenirs.

After the parade, we saw this guy at a red light. His bike had some sort of roll bar - we're still not certain of its purpose.

I think this is my favorite picture from the parade. I took it on the fly when we were trying to find a spot to stand. I like how this pretty much sums up the emotions I saw on display.

And I'll end this post with a quote from a sign one of the parade participants was carrying:

"We hold these truths to be really freakin' obvious."

Vacation synopsis and pictures coming soon!