North Carolina Pride 2012 - Saturday, September 29th

Though I've only been writing up NC Pride blogs here at Blue NC for about 4 years, this annual celebration has reached its 28th year (coincidentally so have I). And I think it is going to be a special year. We have cause both to mourn and celebrate. It's the first Pride since amendment one passed. But it's also the first Pride since the President and the Democratic Party Platform came out in support of marriage equality (the same President in charge of appointing SCOTUS members who will ultimately decide on this issue). I for one am ready to get to work, knowing that voting starts in 3 weeks, to elect pro-equality candidates. Equality NC's voter guide can help you find out who they are.

One race that I want to highlight from the Equality NC voter guide is for NC Supreme Court:

Sam Ervin IV

The most important reason to turn over your ballot this year? Sam Ervin IV. As the Raleigh News & Observer put it, "the second most watched race in North Carolina after the presidential race may not be the governor's race, but the N.C. Supreme Court race." That's because the race between GOP Justice Paul Newby and his Democratic challenger, Sam Ervin could tip the balance of the court, deciding everything from the legislative redistricting case that will likely heard by the court next year to any possible decisions drifting from the recent passage of Amendment One. If Ervin wins and Republicans lose their majority on the state Supreme Court, much of what a very conservative legislature has done could be overturned after inevitable lawsuits work their way up the judicial ladder. | Campaign Website

Here's an abbreviated version of the schedule focused around the main event (the festival, parade, and speeches), but there is so much more, so check out the website for all the colorful details!

11: 55am National Anthem for Opening Ceremony
NOON "Pride Rally with Speakers and Dignitaries, Parade Marshall and special performances"
12:45- 2:15pm PARADE LINE UP TO MARCH with Bagpipes
1pm Parade Begins (Official Reviewing Stand at Madhatter's Cafe at the corner of Main and Broad St.
1pm Bud Light Lime crowd misting arch at the corner of Main and Broad St.
1pm - 4pm Viewing Party: Trinity Lounge (to watch parade)
1pm - 4pm Blue Corn Parade viewing Party on Ninth St. (to watch parade)
2:30pm - 5pm Festival Stage: Keynote Speaker: Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and other speakers
2 - 5 pm "Randy Jones of the Village People sings ""YMCA"", Comman Womans Chorus and more"
5pm Day Festival Ends

In the past my NC Pride blogs have been largely photoblogs, and I hope not to disappoint this year. I'm a little under the weather now, but I have a shiny new camera that I got for the DNC in Charlotte that I'm ready to break out again!