Instead of a day being cold, wet and windy, the 2012 Sacramento Pride Parade and Festival was greeted with sunshine, warm temperatures and pleasant breezes. Even though the asphalt on Capital Mall got a little toasty in the early afternoon, it was far better than being wet and cold.
No time to hate
The 2012 Pride Festival truly was a reflection of the diversity of Sacramento. There were numerous religious and non-profit support agencies in the parade and with booths at the festival. The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center did a tremendous job organizing the whole event. The food and beverages were plentiful along with a great crowd enjoying a sunny afternoon.
Sacramento is still Sacramento; low key and relaxed
The parade also mirrored the slightly more conservative nature of Sacramento. All the parade floats and participants were pretty reserved which made for a great family friendly atmosphere. While the theme was the celebration of the LGBT community, the greater interaction was that of a big block party where everyone was just having a very relaxed time.
Pictures and Video
Here is a selection of photos I took from the parade, festival booths and participants. It was a terrific day and I look forward to coming back again in 2013. Let me know if I got any of the names wrong and I will correct them. These are thumbnail versions, click to enlarge to see the full photograph.
Badlands float
Badlands’ followers
Badlands’ float sponsored by Absolute
Antigua Bar and Grill
Antigua Bar and Grill eye candy and big balloons.
Arry Murphy of California Architectural Design excited to show off my booth
Did the Bath Fitter make a wrong turn onto the parade route?
Buddhist for Peace
Congregation B’nai Israel
Young men talking to the folks at the Catholic AIDS/HIV Ministry table.
Enthusiastic people for something having to do with comic book art.
Cult Cinema for Rocky Horror Picture Show and Repo the Genetic Opera
Damsels in Distress personal protection products.
Dave Picton of Earth Guard Pest Services.
Davis Community Church
Debbie Sells of Wells Fargo Bank visiting my booth.
Elk Grove United Methodist Church
Emperor and Empress of …I forgot the acronym… good looking couple.
Equality of California
Fred Who? said the lapel pin.
Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus
Gender Health Center booth
Gender Health Center in the parade
Grateful Dog discussing puppy care.
Yep, that’s going to be my next hair color.
Kevin McCarthy for City Council
LGBT Labor
Marriage Equality
Mr. Leather, from the Bolt Bar. Miguel Rubio
Nevada Tourism, more than just cabaret dancers cross country skiing, who knew.
Patrick Kennedy for School Board.
PFLAG of Sacramento
PG & E boom truck decked with rainbow flag.
Greater Placer County Rainbow Coalition
Sacramento Friends walking in the parade
Rainbow men with tight fitting uniforms.
Capitol Crossroads Gay Rodeo Association
Roger Dickenson for Assembly
Sacramento Job Corps
Sacramento area lawyers for equality
Sacramento Police Department taking photos with visitors to their booth.
Sacramento Police cruiser, with the little green hat, this officer thinks this is a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Pride child, getting a little tired and hot, but a real sweety.
Emperor Dachshund hound
Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center
Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, having too much fun.
Big balloons and sound system courtesy of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
SGI-USA…not sure what they do, but I like their banner.
A big following for the SGI-USA. I might have to join.
Badlands Shark softball team.
Sacramento Sirens popping up in the parade
Sacramento Sirens in formation.
Sacramento Sirens Cheer
SMUD employees walking the parade.
SMUD booth at the festival
SMUD boom truck in the parade.
SMUD employees passing out beads and beach balls.
All pets were welcome, even this 26 year old snake.
Spiritual Life Center
Steve Hansen for City Council
Ladies on stilts, entertaining.
Stonewall Democratic club from Chico, CA.
Sacramento Valley Gay and Lesbian Softball League
Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Tennis Club
Sacramento Tennis club with floating balls.
Timothy Knox, Amador City Council. Gay is optional, cowboy hat is mandatory.
Tuba player from the San Francisco Freedom Ban Lesbian and Gay marching band.
Western Health Advantage Michele Lehuta and Chief Promotional Officer.
Womens’ Choral Ensemble
CARES, Center for AIDS Research Education and Services, Sacramento
Lady Bug car from the Gender Health Center in the parade.
