Pridefest St. Louis
2010 June 27
The theme was go green, so how about recycled bags from Goodwill no less. But, looking back, it was just a little to hot to be wearing plastic.
2009 June 28
Another beautiful day for a parade. Thank you BandTogether for allowing me to join behind you. Lisa came along to watch, I tried unsucessfully to get her to join the parade.
I couldn't ask for more.
2008 June 29
2006 June 25
What a wonderful day the weather was almost perfect. Thanks to everyone who came to pridefest and the parade. What a great turnout.
Thank you Gary and BandTogether for allowing me to join in behind you. The group, BandTogether, represents the GLBTA community mainly but not exclusively. Beginning with ten members who wanted to play in the 1997 PrideFest Parade, BandTogether has grown into a full (and full-sounding) eighty-member concert band, has spun off a handful of smaller combos and has even formed its own BandTogether Color Guard. Visit www.bandtogetherstl.com for more information.
2005
It was another great parade day. I would have preferred a 60 degree day, but this is St louis and late June through August is hot. Lots of fun and entertainment every year. Activities began Saturday June 25 at Tower Grove Park and continue through the 26th. The parade began at 11 Sunday June 26.
Thank you BandTogether for allowing me to join in behind you. The group, BandTogether, represents the GLBTA community mainly but not exclusively. Beginning with ten members who wanted to play in the 1997 PrideFest Parade, BandTogether has grown into a full (and full-sounding) eighty-member concert band, has spun off a handful of smaller combos and has even formed its own BandTogether Color Guard. Visit www.bandtogetherstl.com for more information
Some past Pridefest Parades are below.
I Love a Parade 2002
"Life is like a box of chocolates." That saying is sooooo true. One never knows what they'll get, and that's exactly how it went on the morning of the Pridefest 2002 parade. I had wanted to go ever since I missed it the year before. Unfortunately, our group had made no arrangements for participation in the parade, and I was unaware of St. Louis Transgender Support Group's participation.
I woke up bright and early on Sunday morning, but quickly became apprehensive about participating for two reasons.
On Saturday, I had reawakened an old toe injury, and it was swollen and very tender to the touch. Also, I realized I might have trouble finding a group with enough space to include me, whether it be on a float or in a car. I finally decided to go and see what might happen. And as long as I was going, I'd dress a bit flashy(after all it is a parade), so I picked out a zebra print dress with gold sequins, a zebra print cowboy hat with gold threads, and a strappy pair of 4" heels.
I arrived at the starting point about 10 a.m., an hour before the Parade's start time. I walked from the starting point to the tail end of the groups that had gathered--about 2 blocks--looking for a ride and socializing along the way. Actually, my choice of heels was working well; I didn't have any pressure on the end of my toe. I talked with a few groups, who said to check back closer to the 11 a.m. start time.
On my way toward the front, I stopped to talk to a nice man who had complimented my outfit. He offered me a ride in his antique car, but said it wasn't a convertible and as long as I was dressed up, that seemed a bit of a waste. We agreed that if I couldn't find a ride, I would walk awhile and, if needed, would catch up to his car and ride the rest of the way. What a sweetheart.
Click on thumbnail photos to enlarge.
At the front of the parade, which was still assembling, the Mid America Pride Veterans and Allies were making sure they had enough people to carry the large American flag (about 20'x35'). They had forty-five, just enough, but they still neededa volunteer to carry the 3x5 Stars and Stripes. Hey, I'll volunteer. I would be honored to carry our flag. They thanked me, and then told me where to stand. Here comes the "chocolate" part...
I ended up leading the parade!--excluding the drum majorette, of course. One never knows.
As for the toe, it survived, and although my feet were sore, I wouldn't have wanted to miss the opportunity to participate for anything.
The photos here were taken by Gaystlouis.com. If you're interested, they have more on their site.
2003
Pridefest 2003 was a few weeks later, and once again I carried the Stars and Stripes for Mid America Pride Veterans and Allies, what a great group of veterans. Thank you, guys and gals, for your dedicated service to our country.
The crowd was larger than last year, which made the march very exciting. The weather was warm, but a little discomfort was worth the experience.
Of course, I had a new outfit: a red majorette jacket, and silver boots and hat.
I decided to walk in the Pridefest Parade 2004 again this year. The weather was great. The Vets were not there this year, but the band said I could walk with them. After the parade, I walked around to all the booths—girl, were my feet sore! 
Vital Voice had a booth and was having a contest. Winners would get their photo taken by a professional photographer, Mike Barnes, and be in the first annual swimsuit issue of Vital Voice. Darned if they didn't contact me a few days later and say I was selected. I hardly ever win anything; maybe I should buy a powerball ticket. I saw a few of the sisters at the fest. Someday I hope to see more.
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