The PrideFest parade in Denver on Sunday was especially meaningful for partners Art Mackovets and John Blade. At the parade nine years ago, Blade collapsed and later was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Blade recovered from the disease, but the parade still brought back painful memories.
“It’s pretty emotional,” said Mackovets, 63. “This parade is a double celebration.”
The couple were among the estimated 100,000 people who lined East Colfax Avenue to witness the numerous floats, marching bands and others who support gay rights.
The parade left Cheesman Park at 9:30 a.m. and two hours later finished at the state Capitol. At Civic Center, thousands of people gathered to listen to music, eat and shop.
The 2010 Denver PrideFest marked the 35th year of the event, organized by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado.
More than 275,000 people were expected at the event over the weekend, said center spokeswoman Heather Draper.
“It’s a celebration. It’s our day,” said 17-year- old Sara Doughty. “We’re not a minority for one day.”
Dogs donned rainbow bandanas, while rainbow flags were draped along the parade route.
A group of motorcycle riders opened the parade. A group from Salt Lake City twirled batons while the Sister Sledge song “We Are Family” blasted from a loudspeaker.
Paul Kaiser moved to Colorado from Milwaukee a few months ago. The strong showing and support for the GLBT community made a lasting impression on him.
“This says something really good about Denver,” Kaiser said. “Denver is so accepting of people.”
Even some who do not approve of the lifestyle took in every float.
Jerry Thurstin sat on his bike in the shade for two hours at the corner of Colfax and Emerson Street and watched the parade go by.
“It still goes against my train of thought, but now I accept it,” Thurstin said.
Joe Smith drove up from Pueblo to attend the festivities. He has been coming to the parade for more than a dozen years.
“It’s a way to show pride and diversity for who you are,” Smith said.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
