People came in droves from all over to celebrate Long Beach Pride’s Silver Anniversary, with this year’s theme, “I am what I am.” The Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival & Parade, now attracting over 75,000 participants over the two-day celebration, is the 3rd largest in the nation.
On Sunday, the Annual Long Beach Pride Parade proceeded down Ocean, with over 125 entries, music and fun. The Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. Board of Directors recognized their Silver Anniversary with a float that was followed by a 72-foot timeline memorial flag.
The parade was kicked off by a cheerleading group, CHEER LA, a dedicated group of volunteers who promote spirit, unity and diversity through dynamic cheer, dance and stunt performances. They raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS organizations. This year, they are raising money to benefit the CARE Program at St. Mary’s Medical Center . CHEER LA performed and marched in the parade with sister squads, CHEER San Francisco and San Diego Cheer Elite.
Mayor Bob Foster showed his commitment to the environment by leaving the convertible at the curb and walking the entire parade route with wife, Nancy. Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook, a candidate for US Congress, also walked in the parade with the Long Beach Lambda Democrats, passing out rainbow stickers.
The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence also kicked off the parade by saying a blessing. For nearly 13 years the Sisters have raised thousands of dollars for various charities in the community with their colorful carnival hijinx and style. They were joined by out-of-town Sisters from as far away as Phoenix , Arizona .
Parade co-hosts Carlease Burke and Steve Eng announced the entries, while Denise Penn hit the streets for on-camera interviews for the Charter production of the parade. The parade televised by Charter Communications and will be shown for the next several Sundays at 5 pm on channel 3; and on Video on Demand.
