By Sarah-Michelle Buffy Gage ((pictures by Sabrina Morningstar and Em Bundy))
For a town with a reputation as fearsome, violent and sometimes horrific as Hathian’s reputation is, we’re also a community that knows how to pull together and put all that behind us when it matters.
Pride, like Mardis Gras, demonstrates the city’s fun side. Where every citizen, regardless of our color, sexual orientation, personality or which team we side with in our citywide sport of gang warfare, comes out to play without violence or fear or intimidation.
And play we did.
The day kicked off with live music, and some hot air balloon rides so we could see the full scope of the festival spread along Batterie Beach’s scenic boardwalk. The beach was draped in rainbow flags and parasols.
CU’s Volleyball team entertained with a beach-side match, cheered on by the CU Cheer Squad.
An oily wrestling match exhibit got messy (and I won one of the matches!)
Even our animal friends were getting in the spirit of the day!
The weather was perfect as were some of the barely dressed bodies who danced, hugged and spread love and good feelings throughout the day.
There’s a lot Hathian can’t be proud of.
But for one day at least, we showed we can be proud of Pride.
Even if the excessive partying got too much for some.
Until next Pride, Hathian, let’s not forget how to love one another.
