Annapolis Pride Parade
The Annapolis Pride Parade is an annual event held in the city of Annapolis, Maryland, to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. The parade brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in a joyous and colorful event.
The first Annapolis Pride Parade was held in 2019 and has since become a much-awaited event in the city’s calendar. The parade is organized by the Annapolis Pride organization, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in Annapolis and surrounding areas.
The parade typically takes place in June, which is celebrated as Pride Month worldwide, to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969 and to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles and achievements over the years. The parade route winds through the historic downtown district of Annapolis, starting at Amos Garrett Boulevard and ending at Susan Campbell Park, where a post-parade festival takes place.
The parade attracts a diverse crowd of participants and spectators, with people of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations coming together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, dance groups, community organizations, and businesses, all dressed up in bright rainbow colors and waving flags, balloons, and banners.
The parade’s participants include members of the local LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies and supporters from neighboring communities, who come together to show their support and solidarity. The parade is a family-friendly event, and many families with children attend to teach them about diversity and acceptance.
In addition to the parade, the post-parade festival at Susan Campbell Park is a fun-filled event with food, music, and entertainment for all ages. The festival includes performances by local musicians and artists, dance groups, and drag queens, as well as food vendors, face painting, and other activities.
The Annapolis Pride Parade is more than just a celebration; it is also an opportunity to raise awareness and promote LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. The event serves as a platform for community organizations and activists to come together and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.