David Alvarez headline-68961 2012-06-05T05:22:30Z 2012-06-05T05:22:30Z <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> The Sacramento Pride Festival was celebrated at the Capital Mall, Saturday, June 2, 2012, as thousands of guests attended the annual event.</p> <p> Entertainment events were scheduled throughout the day.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> Two dance tents with several deejays played as visitors enjoyed music and the company of friends and fellow dancers.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> Community information and outreach tables lined both sides of the Capitol Mall as visitors lined up to receive information, chat with merchants, play games, and receive giveaway items offered by dozens of organizations.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> The day began with a parade that started on 4th and N Streets. Unlike last year’s parade, when it rained, this year the weather was very warm.</p> <p> After the parade ended, guests formed long lines at the entrances leading into the festival. Once inside, guests were able to enjoy a variety of foods, beverages, arts and crafts, games and a Kids’ Zone that provided activities for children attending the event.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> Sacramento represents the sixth largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the United States. Sacramento continues to show pride in its cultural and ethnic communities with festivals such as this. Sacramento Pride continues to grow and community involvement helps with its growth as it promotes information and entertainment to the whole community.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center hosts the event, and had a tent at the middle of the event to help individuals with information about the organization.</p> <p> This year Wells Fargo, Hewlett-Packard, Comcast, Nationwide Insurance and other corporations who sponsored the event also had booths at the festival. The number of sponsors continues to also increase, showing the support of businesses that help with this annual celebration.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> A hot day in the sun was not to the liking of many spectators and as such many congregated in shady spots throughout the venue. The shady spots provided by nature, buildings and tents allowed visitors to enjoy vendor food, drinks and the company of friends.</p> <p> Entertainment was also provided at two main stages, and included superb music from artists such as Kim Bock, Small Difference, Women’s Choral Ensemble, Jon Ro and Conflict Minerals at the River City Stage.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> The main stage included entertainment from Cheer San Francisco, Cheer Folsom Elite and the Sacramento Sirens Cheer Squad. Tasha Kame, Jovi Radtke, Jeff Timmons, Phi Phi O’Hara, Kenya Michaels, Pollo del Mar and guests also appeared at the Capitol City Stage.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> Overall, this festival continues to be a “must-see” annual event for entertainment. It showcases local and national talent and is well organized.</p> <p style="text-align: center; "> </p> <p> Sacramento Pride allows the community to come together and celebrate the great diversity of our community. It also continues to be a great event for an all-ages audience.&nbsp;</p> David Alvarez 2012-06-05T05:22:30Z