One Day; Two Festivals

Summer in Minnesota means lots of out door celebrating. Every weekend finds some excuse to take in the sun and the great outdoors. This was a banner one after the turbulent weather of a week back.

First up was the annual Pride Festival. I took in the traditional parade on Sunday and then a stroll in the park with Waylon afterwards. I hesitated since I was alone and was going to stay home away from the crowds. But with the recent marriage amendment, there seemed to be a worthy cause to celebrate. And the event did have a different feel from the politics and dogma of the last few. Chris Kluwe was a genuine parade marshall and seemed so glad to just be there. I also found it telling that instead of candidates stumping for votes on the route (which is not a bad thing by me), they all entered en masse as the voices of legislature that cast pro votes and were greeted with massive applause. Even all the theaters were in tandem with the Ivey Awards instead of individually. There was an apparent sense of community.

The park gets better each year too. They somehow find enough space for the 1000s there. There was plenty for Waylon to do in numerous pet booths. Target had a great coloring wall for kids. Betty Crocker was present with cupcakes and confetti box mixes. The music seemed a better variety with genres that weren't all drag. And thank God they got rid of the ticket thing for food. You could just walk up and plop down your $5 and get a sandwich.

Friends were abounding and the weather perfect. Grade B+.

1 day ago

1 day ago