Text and photos (c) Robert Barry Francos / 2013
It sure did rain this year for Saskatoon PRIDE. Usually, there is a parade followed by live music in a park. This year, the festival part was held clear on the other side of town in Prairieland Park, a huge hall usually used for trade shows. Gratefully, a neighbor had seen walking to the site and gave me a lift. She and her daughter were part of the parade, in support.
Despite the wet and windy weather, spirits were high. Thanks to fellow photographer and friend, Aloys Fleishmann, my camera was saved by his giving me a spare plastic cover that he described as a "camera condom." It works better with a longer lens, but it was a godsend nonetheless.
Usually, I take pictures of the set up of the parade, the take off, and then the fest. After the parade took off from the base of Victoria Park behind the Farmer's Market, I decided to just hoof it the 2-plus miles home, as I was getting wetter thanks to a decimated umbrella.
When I arrived at the Idywyld Underpass on 19th Street W and realized the parade was going to pass there, I stayed under the highway and had a birdseye view, and only get partly wet. I saw Al and called him over and he stood near me as we both snapped away.
After the parade turned the corner and was out of sight, I said my goodbyes to Al, and then walked home. Along the way, it turned to a light drizzle. Just before the doors to get my double-double for the energy boost, I threw out the umbrella, and by the time I got my order, the rain had practically stopped. That was a good thing, because there was still over a mile to walk. Yet, I was happy to be an Ally.
It sure did rain this year for Saskatoon PRIDE. Usually, there is a parade followed by live music in a park. This year, the festival part was held clear on the other side of town in Prairieland Park, a huge hall usually used for trade shows. Gratefully, a neighbor had seen walking to the site and gave me a lift. She and her daughter were part of the parade, in support.
Despite the wet and windy weather, spirits were high. Thanks to fellow photographer and friend, Aloys Fleishmann, my camera was saved by his giving me a spare plastic cover that he described as a "camera condom." It works better with a longer lens, but it was a godsend nonetheless.
Usually, I take pictures of the set up of the parade, the take off, and then the fest. After the parade took off from the base of Victoria Park behind the Farmer's Market, I decided to just hoof it the 2-plus miles home, as I was getting wetter thanks to a decimated umbrella.
When I arrived at the Idywyld Underpass on 19th Street W and realized the parade was going to pass there, I stayed under the highway and had a birdseye view, and only get partly wet. I saw Al and called him over and he stood near me as we both snapped away.
After the parade turned the corner and was out of sight, I said my goodbyes to Al, and then walked home. Along the way, it turned to a light drizzle. Just before the doors to get my double-double for the energy boost, I threw out the umbrella, and by the time I got my order, the rain had practically stopped. That was a good thing, because there was still over a mile to walk. Yet, I was happy to be an Ally.
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| There were many superheroes there that day. |
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| It makes sense that Nicole White and PRIDE organizer Brice Fields stand in front of the generators, because, well, "They got the power!". |
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| Many local church groups were there in support. |
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| Mayoral candidate Tom Wolf on unicycle; the current mayor, Don, made sure to be out of town for the event, as he does every year. Go Tom!. |
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| Aloys Fleishmann joins me on the underpass rise. |
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| Nicole White, of READ Saskatoon, and political fireball! |
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| "...And we were dancin' in the street." |
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| It is literally debatable whether Emily Striker is taking off or landing; I say the former, she says the latter.. |
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| This is actually a hoop-style dress that has been deflated by the wet weather. |
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| Representing the Canadian Armed Forces. |
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| Janice, my neighbor and giver of lifts in the red scarf. Thanks! |
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| In this shot, I believe Emily Striker says everything about this day. |
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