Long
Island Shows its Pride at the 2003
Long Island Pride Parade and Festival
by Louis
Trapani

June
of 2003 marked the 14th time that Long Island celebrated
pride by marching down Main Street in Huntington for a
parade and festival in the park. The
Long
Island Pride Parade took place on June 9, 2003 in the
welcoming town of Huntington, NY. While the weather looked
a bit gloomy, it was anything but that day. The temperature
was low enough to make the day comfortable for all those
marching and watching the parade and attending the Festival
in the Park. 
Celebrating
it's 10th anniversary this year, Long
Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) was the largest
group marching in the parade once again. Various organizations
and businesses were also marching in the parade as they
do every year. Perhaps as a sign of the economy, it appeared
that there were less businesses represented marching in
the parade this time around.
Pride
was bursting out all over the parade route and within the
town. Local businesses welcomed the crowds.
As
with past years, this year's parade made its way to Hecksher
Park in Huntington. The crowds blanketed the park as many
gathered in front of the stage to enjoy the entertainment
line up, others went to the three food stations, many others
went to the large merchandise tent, and many more went
to the information tables. Various community organizations
and businesses were represented at the information tables.
The
entertainment line up included comedian Jason
Stuart among many others including Pandora's
Vox returning
to rock the crowd, the first LIGALY Idol winner, Angela
Reteguiz, the LIGALY Pride Dancers, Lady Ivonna, and more.
All in all, a great day and a fine day to show
your pride, Long Island! Kudos to all who participated, either
by marching or attending.


Related
Articles:
LICK: The Parades
Pandora's Vox
Photos
by Louis Trapani
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