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Nov 5, 2006 1:01 pm US/Pacific
Thousands Attend Palm Springs Pride Festival
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (CBS) ―
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Close to 35,000 attended the 20th Anniversary Great Palm Springs Pride Parade.
AP
Close to 35,000 revelers were in Palm Springs Sunday for the 20th anniversary Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade, according to official estimates.
The large crowd, greeted by sunny skies and 80-degree weather, lined Palm Canyon Drive sidewalks to watch marching bands, floats, performers in drag and many others as they proceeded down Palm Springs' main drag. Grand Marshal Riff Markowitz, co-founder, writer and director of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, led the procession.
Several city officials, including Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden, also joined the parade. Oden, who is openly gay, had a sign on the side of his car reading, "Ron Oden, Openly Gay Mayor." A black and white Hummer from the Los Angeles Police Department also joined the parade with a sign advertising job opportunities with the LAPD. An LAPD officer in uniform waved a gay pride flag from the vehicle.
The crowd, which organizers had expected to reach 40,000 was at about 35,000 Sunday said Palm Springs police Sgt. Mitch Spike.
The two-day celebration started yesterday with a festival at the Palm Springs Stadium at 1901 E. Baristo Road featuring music on three stages, art exhibits, readings, vendors and a children's zone. The festival continues Sunday until 6 p.m.
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
