Saturday June 4, 2001 – Fresno celebrated its 21st annual Pride celebration for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (LGBTQ) along side with its supporters.

The celebration was lead by a parade that was held in Fresno’s historical Tower District. Those in the parade marched down Olive avenue as people cheered with excitement from the sidewalk, and restaurant patios.

Although Fresno has endured a constant array of weather that is unusual for this time of the year, the rain did not keep people from coming out and celebrating.

Organizations, large corporations, and local businesses such as Rainbow Delegation, Marriage Equality USA, Trans-E-Motion, Strabucks, PG&E, Club Legends, The Express, PFLAG, Bobby Salazar’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, We C.A.R.E. Fresno, Wesley United Methodist Church, Golden State Bears, Fresno Bully Rescue, Rock-N-Rolla Roller Derby, No Town Roller Derby, S.A.F.E., Democratic Women’s Club, Fresno Stonewall Democrats, The Big Red Church, Central Valley Progressive, New Thought Community of Fresno, Gay Central Valley, Aetna, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, American Civil Liberties Union, College Community Congregational Church, and many more.

After the parade, people made their way to the festival where they could visit a variety of booths, grab a bite to eat, and watch live entertainment. One supporter, Whitney Cotton said, “The festival is always fun. I like to visit the different booths and watch the performers.”

Local DJs Dj Binx, DJ Kudro, Dj Dizzi, DJ Fresh, DJ Cookee, DJ Chris, DJ Evilclown, DJ Jimmy Mac, and DJ Suzy Q played live music for those who wanted to dance out of the rain in the dance tent.

One of Fresno’s Pride favorite singers, Dairo, returned to sing songs from his debut Album “ The Up Side of Down,” and local singer Lori Elle also took the stage.

The girls of Club Legends’ Cover Girls show, entertained the crowd with a song by Britney Spears, Niki Minaj, and Ke$ha.

Local Hero Matt Mazzei, founder of Rainbow Delegation, played the violin for the audience. The cast of Visalia’s RENT made its way to the Pride celebration to advertize their play.

The celebration was nothing short of positive emotions. “I come back every year to see my friends and have fun. I think that the Pride parade and festival is a positive event because it keeps people’s spirits up. No one is allowed to be sad at Pride. Also, it’s a great opportunity to put money back into the community for those who don’t know how to get involved otherwise,” said Ally Norgard while celebrating with a group of her friends.

Fresno’s Pride celebration may not be as large as San Francisco’s or Los Angeles’, but it was big enough for the community, the strong bond of family, friendship, and love was felt everywhere.

If you did not make it out this year, this is one celebration you do not want to miss in the years to come!