Denver's Gay Pride Parade: 'Who Doesn't Want To Be A Part Of It?'
DENVER (CBS4) - Thanks to extra security the Pride Parade went off without a hitch on Sunday.
Denver police kept watch, including from the top of the McNichols Building. Thousands paraded in the heat from Cheesman Park down Colfax Avenue to Civic Center Park to show their pride.
"Look at our community! It's huge! And who doesn't want to be a part of it?" parade-goer Shy Stiefel said.
Several large and local-sponsored floats this year -- like Coors and King Soopers -- showed their pride for diversity in the work place.
"It makes me feel like I fit in more because I'm being validated for who I love," parade-goer Kelsi Clark said.
"It's one of the most amazing events I've ever been to," parade-goer Alex Boyle said.
Carrying what is believed to be one of the largest American flags -- stretching 50 feet long and 25 feet wide -- were several local veterans from the Foreign Wars Post. And just like the wide-spread crowd, they showed their pride in the sweltering heat.
PHOTO GALLERY: Pride Parade 2016
"I mean, other than dripping in sweat, everyone seems super happy and I came down yesterday as well," parade-goer Daniel Gibson said. "It's just incredible to see all the energy and everyone together."
"It's really important this year. Not that it isn't important to celebrate every year, but especially this year after what's been happening in Florida," Boyle said. "It's really important to bring everybody together and support each other."
In honor of victims of the Orlando terror attack, a moment of silence was held during the parade -- followed by more smiles and support of being proud of who you are.
"It doesn't matter if your gay, straight, lesbian, bi -- we're all just here to have a good time and have fun and show our support for our community," Gibson said.
