Saturday morning Jan & I went out and rented a large pickup truck. I swear it was about a quarter the size of our house. We parked it in front and later that afternoon about a dozen adults trickled in to help decorate it. Our major feature were small posters written by children and a few youth and several adults in the church’s religious education program inviting participants and visitors to Providence’s 2009 BGLT Pride Parade to come to our church. I thought it without a doubt the loveliest of floats!
Then we very carefully made our way to the starting spot for the parade in front of the State House. While ours was the only UU vehicle, it became the gathering point for Unitarian Universalists from around the state. And soon members from our church started showing up. We were soon joined by the minister and congregants of the Channing Church from Newport, congregants from Bell Street Chapel, the minister and congregants from the UU Congregation of South County, all of whom have been joining the parade for years.
The threatened rain began as a light drizzle, but sputtered itself out as it gradually darkened and this, I believe, the only evening Pride parade in the country began.
At first I thought it was going to be very light, but as we turned into the downtown, the streets were jam packed with well wishers.
I was the driver and I soon earned my keep trying to wend through several very narrow sections where the onlookers had crowded onto the street.
However we made our way without mishap.
And a great time was had by all…
I’m certainly looking forward to doing this again next year.
And thanks to Brian, a farewell picture!
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