Pride on parade in Dallas
It was a record day for gay Pride in Dallas.
Michael Doughman, executive director of the Dallas Tavern Guild, said he believes more people than ever attended the 24th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade and the subsequent rally in Lee Park on Sunday, Sept. 16.
"I think there's no doubt that it was the biggest parade and also the biggest festival," Doughman said, adding that no one conducts a formal headcount.
The large turnout was due in part to favorable weather, Doughman said. Last year, it rained heavily during the event.
"It was a little warm, but it was certainly better than the rain and it was better than 105 degrees," Doughman said.
There were no major hiccups to report, Doughman said, and only a handful of arrests. He commended a security crew headed by Det. Jeremy Liebbe of the Dallas Independent School District and Lt. Barbara Hobbs of the Dallas Police Department.
"We couldn't have asked for better," Doughman said. "They were sensational."
Mayor Tom Leppert was among seven city councilmembers who participated in the parade, along with other elected officials. Leppert chose to walk the route as opposed to riding so he could greet spectators along the way.
"I enjoy visiting with people," said Leppert, who was only the second mayor in the city's history to participate. "It's a lot more fun."
Former City Councilman Ed Oakley, who served as one of two grand marshals, said although he has been involved with the parade every year, this one was special.
"This was truly the crowing moment for me of my entire career here in the Dallas gay community," said Oakley, who lost to Leppert in a runoff for Dallas mayor in June. "It was an honor."
Oakley said he hopes to convince all 15 councilmembers to participate in next year's parade, which will be the 25th anniversary of the annual event.
Melissa Grove, executive director of Legacy Counseling Center and the other grand marshal, said she's been attending the parade for more than a decade.
"It was a wonderful day, and it was by far the best parade that we've ever had in my opinion," Grove said. "I've watched every year the crowds get bigger and bigger and bigger."