Travis Dosser
6/9/2012
History was made Saturday as Premier Alison Redford became the first Alberta Premier to attend the Edmonton Pride Parade and Festival.
Floats made their way down 102nd Avenue as cheers from thousands of Edmontonians could be heard for blocks.
New Democrat MLA David Eggen joined many other NDP members on their float in the parade. He's happy the PC government attended for the first time.
"It's overdue and if she is bringing some legislation to make this province more equal and more just that is good as well," explains Eggen. "It is the right thing to do."
Eggen says he's happy that after a huge push from the NDP, the province re-introduced the gender re-assignment surgery.
"This isn't just a parade it is also historically a way to get by which we get things done for equality and social justice in this province," explains Eggen. "We've been fighting hard for gender re-assignment surgery and it looks like we've got it back on the books for public healthcare, so we're here to celebrate that."
Rainbows of colour could be seen in all directions and parade-goers cheered with each passing float.
"The gods are shining down on the Pride Parade today and it's a wonderful time," explains Eggen
Photos by: 630CHED's Travis Dosser
The city's first Pride celebration took place in 1980 and less than 100 people were in attendance. The event is now a weeklong celebration starting with the parade. Until 8pm Saturday booths will be open at Churchill Square, live music and many other activities.
The Festival is organized by the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, a non-profit group founded in 1999. At this time there is no official count on how many were in attendance to the Pride Parade, estimates are in the thousands. (twd)
On The Net:
Edmonton Pride Festival
Pride Festival Photo Album
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