I Missed Pridefest

But Colin Murphy of the Vital Voice sent me this report:

I was very pleased to see Rep. Russ Carnahan not only ride in this years Gay Pride Parade but take the stage following Mayor Francis Slay and address the crowd. This was my 16th year at St. Louis Pride and I don't ever recall seeing a U.S. Rep. in the parade, most notably, Dick Gephardt. (Gephardt's daughter Chrissy did attend two years ago during his failed presidential bid.) Carnahan was very well recieved. Smart move on his part but how will it play in the county?

Several city alderman and state legislators also either participated in the parade or stopped by the Gateway Stonewall Democrats tent to chat with festival goers. There was a definite "political feel" to this year's event that I was very glad to see.