Today, Saturday, June 29, we went to the first Annapolis Pride Parade and festival.
We thought there would just be a few people
there, but there were thousands! In this time when our country is being
led by a party who endorses intolerance and hatred, it was refreshing
to see so many come out to support diversity and embrace all people. 
THE PARADE PARTICIPANTS- The parade route was packed with
people and it was elbow to elbow. We walked through the vendor area and
were impressed and happily surprised at the number of businesses and
companies that are so inclusionary and supportive of LGBTQ people -
including Veterans organizations, hospitals, churches, State, county and
city police departments, local politicians, non profit
organizations, high school groups, Colleges and universities, parents of
LGBT people, hotels, veterinarians, Wawa convenience stores, Northrop
Grumman, Parsons contracting company, and a
huge aerospace employer.
Despite the temperature being near 95 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 105, the streets were lined with people for the entire parade route. We even got to see our friends Joe and Tom marching in the parade, and met our friend Scott, a professional cartoonist, selling his amazing books, posters and cards at the vendor area.
Of course, we had lunch at Dunkin' Donuts. :) Here are the photos.
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| Madame Butterfly! |
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| Wawa Convenience Store and Gas |
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| Leather guy in a dog flag |
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| License Plate |
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| Hot Firemen! |
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| Policemen and women |
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| A young girl dressed for the parade |