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| San Diego Pride Celebrates its 36th Anniversary July 16-18 |
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. – San Diego LGBT Pride presents its 36th annual celebration on July 16, 17 and 18 under the theme: “One World, One Heart, One Pride.” This year’s events feature a kick-off political rally, a mile-long parade with celebrity grand marshals and a two-day festival featuring non-stop entertainment, including performances by American Idol alum Blake Lewis, diva hip-hop artist Eve and the legendary Devo. The San Diego Pride outdoor rally will be held at 6:00 p.m., July 16, at Marston Point in Balboa Park, where the two-day festival will be held the same weekend. The rally will feature political speakers addressing current issues facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community. It will also showcase this year’s Pride honorees and organizations that have greatly contributed to a host of political causes and support within the local LGBT community. The event is free. The annual San Diego Pride parade, which is the largest civic event in our city, begins at 11:00 a.m., July 17 at University and Normal streets. The mile-long procession, featuring more nearly 160 floats and marching contingents, heads west on University, then turns south on Sixth Avenue to Upas street. The parade is expected to draw 150,000 spectators and participants. This year’s grand marshals are Actress Cloris Leachman and global activist Stuart Milk, nephew of the late Harvey Milk who pioneered a gay rights movement nearly 30 years ago, and was assassinated while serving on San Francisco’s board of supervisors. San Diego Pride’s two-day festival at Marston Point in Balboa Park will be held from noon to 10:00 p.m., Saturday, July 17; and from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 18. Tickets are $15 per day or $20 for a weekend pass if purchased by midnight on July 16 over the Pride web site (www.SanDiegoPride.org). Gate prices are $20 per day or $30 for the weekend. The festival will encompass hundreds of exhibitors and vendors, dance floors, beverage gardens, food areas and multiple performance stages, including a main Cox Communications stage for headline performers. For more information about entertainer schedules, shuttle services and other Pride weekend highlights, visit the web site: www.SanDiegoPride.org. |