This year’s Pride parade drew not only a record turnout of spectators, but an unprecedented 140 entries. A panel of four judges —designer Rick Gaspard, artist Corrine Hunt, event producer Ross Atley and WE’s Gail Nuggent —picked their favourite parade entries in eight categories. And the winners are:
Outstanding Individual: Fag Bug, the VW bug defaced by homophobic slurs, and its owner, Erin Davies, who is on a cross-country trip to raise awareness.
Best Marching Unit: Theatre Under The Stars for its well choreographed street productions of Grease and Oklahoma.
Best Interpretation of Pride Theme: Bunch of Proud Young Gays for getting together in the name and spirit of this year’s theme, Pride in the City.
Best Standard Vehicle: Co-op Radio for its unflagging celebration of diversity.
Best Crowd Response: Cutting Edges Hockey Team for their high-energy rollerblading and public displays of smooching.
Best Community Group: West End Business Improvement Association for its tribute to Cinderella.
Best Float (National Business): CTV Channel 9 for its beautifully decorated mock studio set.
Best Float (Local Business): The Fountainhead Pub for its foamy beer mug of Pride.