What’s the No. 1 rule of etiquette for watching the Pride Parade?
In no way, shape or form, do you spray water on, at, or anywhere near the MCs lining the parade route — in particular Joan-E. Seriously, she will take you down with just one look.
With hundreds of thousands of spectators expected to line the parade route to watch the glitz and glamour that is Pride, here are some tips to help make the day the best it can be for everyone.
- Stay off the road: Don’t be that person who decides the barriers are there for everyone else except you. You know who you are. It also minimizes your chances of getting run over by a float covered in glitter and rainbows.
- Reduce waste: There will be garbage and recycling stations along the parade route — use them.
- Road closures: Road closures in the West End begin at 7 a.m. and will remain in place until about 3:30 p.m.
- Leave your car at home: Consider transit, walking or cycling. A bike valet service will be available at 1483 Thurlow St., near Sunset Beach.
- Liquor: Alcohol is prohibited and with so much liquor available for sale legally in bars and restaurants along the route or at Sunset Beach, there’s no excuse for that open beer bottle.
- Sun safe: The Pride Parade is three hours long and if the sun is shining, that’s a lot of exposure. Sunscreen, a hat and lots of water can mean the difference between eating peanuts at Pumpjack after the parade or lying in a first aid tent wishing you’d worn more than a loin cloth.
The 2019 Pride Parade is Aug. 4.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
