Pride Houston will announce the grand marshals for the 2006 Houston Pride Parade at a special event Thursday at Guava Lamp.
The committee is also looking for individuals to perform in the nighttime parade, and committee members said that for the first time, organizers will sponsor individual participants who will not have to pay the regular parade entry fee.
The nighttime parade is scheduled for June 24.
Nick Brines, president of Pride Houston, said the sponsored performers are expected to include flaggers, drag queens and male dancers, who will complement the performers who are part of regular parade entrants.
“Our nighttime parade has always had really incredible performances from a wide variety of groups,” Brines said in a written statement.
“The performances are a big crowd favorite and a great way to celebrate our pride as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We wanted to add some extra flair to the parade by sponsoring our own performers who may not be part of an already-established group,” Brines said.
Rehearsals for Pride parade performers have already begin, according to Jose Reyes, who is director and choreographer. He said Pride Houston will provide the necessary costumes and materials, including costumes for drag performers for a Brazilian “Copa Cabana”-themed performance.
Dance routine rehearsals are held each Saturday and Sunday, and those interested in participating would need to attend most of the rehearsals, Reyes added.
He said no experience is necessary and there are no age requirements, but participants need to be able to perform throughout the entire mile-long parade.
Male, female, honorary and organizational grand marshals were chosen by a community vote. The party to announce the winners begins at 7 p.m. and will include complimentary hors d’ouevres and a cash bar.
For more information about the parade, Pride Houston or the grand marshals party, call 713-529-6979 or visit the Pride Houston website (www.pridehouston.org).
For more information on being a performer in the parade, contact Reyes at jreyes@pridehouston.org.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, February 24, 2006.
