A Funny thing Happened On the Way To Farmer's Market...Part 1

Rachel was celebrating a birthday party this weekend and Brendan wanted a bottle or two of Annalida's World's Greatest Bloody Mix. It can only be obtained from the Farmer's Market downtown (we tried last weekend but were too late). Since her party was on Sunday today was the absolute last chance to get it. Well, very few merchants were at the Market so we decided to forget about it. Heading up Central we came across a parade, tents, vendors and lots of people so we decided to see if we could find the guy who sells the mix. Then we noticed the float coming down the street. And the people. And the next float. And lo and behold, we stumbled into the 9th St. Petersburg Pride Parade and Festival. Yup, a big old gay parade. On the day New York signed their gay marriage bill legalizing unions between same-sex people. So to say everyone was festive would be an understatement.

The old cars first attracted my eyes. Then the tents that might have the bloody mary mix for Brendan.

And the second float comes ambling our way. By the way, the first float had two guys doing something not mentioned in polite company. Suffice to say it had something to do with oral.

This fellow sported some kind of Mad Max leather/horsehair head device.

I haven't a clue what this was about.

Happy paraders.

Riding Priscilla down Central.

This guy sported a clingy leather skirt and that must be a wig.

A fireman and medic ready to assist overheated revelers.

Here's to the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who support their family members regardless of sexual orientation.

Tomorrow more pictures of the parade and parade-goers. With the recent legislation in New York the parade this year must have had special significance.

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