While the 28th annual GLBT celebration has been going on since June 1, some of the larger events associated with it take place this weekend:

Saturday – Annual Gay Pride Parade

The parade will begin at 8 p.m. with lineup starting at 6 p.m. This year’s grand marshal is Alabama State representative Patricia Todd, the first openly gay person ever elected to public office in Alabama.

Parade route 

The parade will begin at the former Highland Avenue police precinct building (corner of Highland Avenue & 14th Street South). It will continue down Highland until it reaches 20th Street South. It will then go north along 20th Street until it reaches 7th Street South.

According to the official website, all participants must have a completed, signed Parade Registration Form on file with Central Alabama Pride, Inc. before they can participate.

* Equality Alabama will also run a workshop earlier in the day entitled "Language Matters". It will be held at the Avondale Library beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday – PRIDEFest 2007

Sloss Furnaces will serve as the venue for the all day festival. Gates will open at 12 p.m.; they’ll close at 10:00 p.m.) Highlights will include vendors, live music, food, drink, a special children’s area (supported and monitored by the Covenant Community Church and including the McWane Center’s 3-Ring Science Program). In addition to local entertainers (including the winners of this year’s Gay Pride Pageants), CeCe Peniston, Nemesis, Cynthia Manley and nervous but excited will be performing.

For additional information, please visit the official site for the festivities.