Pride 2007 was a huge success! We could not have asked for a more perfect day. Stonewall Columbus would like to thank all of the volunteers, committee, sponsors, members and friends that made the event so spectacular.
We began at Goodale Park with a very active stage that hosted politicians who are going to be running for office and want the ear of our community. Our motorcycle security contingent was much smaller this year by design and worked beautifully to promote parade safety. Foot security was much larger than last year and really kept the parade moving with no incidences of accidents. Safety is one of the highest priorities for SWC and this year was top notch in that area. We are grateful to our local partners during the parade lineup. Stonewall Columbus and Comfest organizers worked as a team to share the park for a few hours and make it all happen.
For the tenth consecutive year, Pia Hiotis of Europia Wine and Spirits hosted the parade judges out in front of her store on High Street. The atmosphere was very festive and just like last year this was the place to be to watch the parade. Stonewall would like to thank Pia and parade judges Mary Ellen O’Shaughnessy, John Angelo and Joe Baer, because they added to the spectacle with their wit, charm and sense of fun.
The festival was hopping all day long with participants entering the park earlier than last year and by 2:45 p.m. Bicentennial Park was full with an estimated crowd of about 110,000 people. We had over 150 Exhibitors and over 50 floats.
“This event grows every year,” said Executive Director, Karla Rothan. She elaborated that, “SWC could not do it without a stellar committee.” Joe Stefanko who has chaired the event for 5 years has agreed to chair again next year. Many of the leaders of the committee are coming back for another term, so experience will be behind next year’s event. “SWC is grateful to have such experienced and committed leaders direct Pride,” stated Rothan.
Plans for Pride 2008 are underway now. The date is Saturday, June 28, 2007. SWC will be conducting a logo contest again this year so get your paint brushes ready!
