Sacramento Pride 2008 announces parade theme, competition

Sacramento Pride 2008 is adding a new element of competition to this year’s Pride Parade on Saturday, June 21.

For what may be the first time in Sacramento history, the 2008 Pride Parade will have a theme: “Do You Believe in Magic?” borrowed from the Lovin’ Spoonful song of that name. “Being that this is LGBT Pride, we are interested in seeing who can mix the two ideas together,” says Pride Parade Committee Chair Carl Baum. “And just to give things a little bit of an edge, we are throwing in a competition with it!”

Three prizes will be up for grabs:

Best in Theme. For the parade contingent of any type that creates the best adaptation of the theme “Do You Believe in Magic?”

Best Float. Use of the theme will earn you extra points, but it’s going to take some real magic to capture this prize. “We are looking for something creative and outside the box,” Baum says. “If it is ‘gay pride’ themed, we want to see it!”

Best Non-Float. Same criteria as Best Float, but for non-float parade contingents.

Winners will be announced on the Pride Festival main stage at Southside Park.

Parade entry fee is a flat $15 per contingent, waived for government entities. All parade participants must complete and submit a signed application and contract to Sacramento Pride.

Lineup and check-in for the parade will be at 9 a.m. at N and 13th streets, across from Capitol Park. Start time for the parade will be 10 a.m.

For more information or to download the parade application and contract, visit www.sacramentopride.org, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 916-442-0185, Ext. 139.