Gay Pride San Antonio Block Party and Parade, July 5, 2008

Left to right: Congressman Charlie Gonzalez rode in a red convertible. Frances Carnot, candidate for State Representative District 122, posed with State Representative District 118 Joe Farias. Amadeo Ortiz (third from left in photo), candidate for Bexar County Sheriff, marched with supporters. Judge Monica Guerrero with Amy Rodriguez.

Left to right: State Senator Leticia Van De Putte gets ready to ride in a black convertible. Ron Rangel, candidate for Judge of the 379th District Court brought his wife and daughter. Grand Marshall Eric Alva (center with sash) poses with fellow HRC members and his partner Darrell Parsons (left in photo). Lisa Cruz and her horse Mi Sombra were one of three entries from the Texas Gay Rodeo Assn. who served as color guard for the parade.

Photos -- Gay Pride S.A. Block Party & Parade
QSanAntonio, July 6

The big finale to 2008 Pride Month came on July 5 with the Gay Pride S.A. Block Party & Parade held along the gay entertainment strip on North Main Avenue. The parade had over 50 entries including several prominent politicians and three Democratic candidates for office. The parade, which lasted just over an hour, was by far the biggest and best held in recent memory. This year’s Grand Marshal was retired Marine Sergeant Eric Alva. (Photos for first and second rows by Antonia Padilla.)

Alamo City Men's Chorale, "Let's Go to the Hop!" June 21, 2008, McAllister Auditorium

Photos: ACMC concert filled with toe-tapping rock and roll
QSanAntonio, June 22, 2008

The Alamo City Men’s Chorale finished off their 21st season with a selection of oldies but goodies at the their June 21 "Let’s Go to the Hop!" concert under the direction of Artistic Director Jennifer Whatley ( left photo, top row). The enthusiastic audience at the McCallister Auditorium whooped and clapped along to music that recalled the early days of rock and roll. Along with the Chorale, featured performers included Lynette Brehm who did a Patsy Cline imitation (left photo, second row in pink dress) and dancers from the San Antonio School of the Performing Arts (center photo, second row). Photos, top three rows, by Antonia Padilla.

Pridefest -- June 14, 2008 Hemisfair Park

Photos -- Pridefest 2008
QSanAntonio, June 16, 2008

The blistering heat of a near 100-degree day did not wilt the enthusiasm of thousands who came to Hemisfair Park on June 14 to celebrate PrideFest 2008. There were over 40 booths sponsored by clubs and organizations, including one booth for Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. The most popular beverage of the day seemed to be a cold bottle of water and the shady spots under the trees provided temporary relief from the heat. Now in its 27th year, PrideFest is the official kick-off of Pride celebrations in San Antonio.