>From: rwockner@netcom.com (Rex Wockner)
>Date: Tue, 7 Jun 1994 00:41:42 -0700 (PDT)

45,000 AT LONG BEACH PRIDE
 
by Rex Wockner
 
   More than 45,000 people took part in the gay/lesbian pride parade and
two-day festival last weekend in Long Beach.

   The parade featured over 120 contingents, one of which was actress Sandy
Duncan sitting on the back of a convertible.

   The route was Ocean Boulevard from Cherry Avenue to Pine Avenue.

   The West Hollywood Cheerleaders, clad in huge bouffant wigs and
traditional cheerleader mini-skirts, were a smash hit.

   About 15 Christians picketed the parade urging homosexuals to "repent."

   They also video-taped the march and insulted drag queens over a small
P.A. system.

   The huge festival covered a vast expanse of Shoreline Aquatic Park.

   The main stage featured, among other performers, Cheryl Lynn, Evelyn
"Champagne" King and Rose Royce.

   Big disco and country-and-western dance tents were also very popular.

   Admission to the grounds cost $10.

   Last year, profits of $130,000 were distributed to over 100 gay
organizations.

   The pride celebration is the second-largest annual event in Long Beach
after the Grand Prix.

   This was its 11th year.
 
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