Milwaukee Pride Parade Draws Thousands
PrideFest's Final Day Attendance Points Toward Record-Setting Weekend
Milwaukee - Between three to four thousand spectators crowded sidewalks along Milwaukee's 2nd St. gay entertainment district to witness what some have called the biggest pride parade that the city's LGBT community has ever organized. Led by Parade Grand Marshall Michael Lisowski, and immediately followed by a non-stop handshaking stroll by city Mayor Tom Barrett, the float-laden 55-unit parade unspooled over 75 minutes.
  Units from around the state and neighboring Illinois tossed beads, candy and product samples to eager onlookers. In a tiara and sash showdown worthy of a reality TV show, titleholders from Cream City's African-American and Latino gay communities shared their sparkle as did numerous club and pageant system winners.
  Following the parade, many headed over the the feature-filled final day of PrideFest, highlighted by a brief but powerful performance by the legendary soul songstress Etta James. The 71-year old may have arrived on stage with a powered chair assist and sat through her half hour show, but her vocals were full throttle, mesmerizing one of the most age-diverse crowds PrideFest has ever seen.
    James kept the crowd jumping with a tantalizing performance of “I Just Wanna Make Love to You” and a cover of Janis Joplin's “Piece of my Heart.” Of course, the icon sang her much beloved hit “At Last,” while couples slow-danced in appreciation.
  Prior to James' performance, R&B songstress Deborah Cox pepped up the crowd with her famous dance mix version of “Nobody's Supposed to be Here.” And Cox finished her show encouraging the crowd to “share the peace and the love, and have a happy pride!”
  Organizers estimate that this year’s festival pulled in record numbers, both in attendance, and in ticket sales. “We have yet to verify the final numbers,” PrideFest Producer Pete Minns said. “However, our preliminary data hints at a record-setting year.”
  Festival President Scott Gunkel echoed Minns’ optimism. “PrideFest 2009 has clearly exceeded all of our expectations,” he said. “Gorgeous weather, great performers, engaging activities and a group of wonderful patrons enjoying every minute of it. This could not have been a better festival this year.”