Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Southern New Mexico Pride ... photos on Facebook



Link to photos on Facebook.... Facebook Album



Wrapping up Southern New Mexico Pride

It is always a nice change of pace at Southern New Mexico Pride following the giant party in Albuquerque the week before. This year we had the added benefit of a breeze and a break in the 100+ degree weather.

Like our annual Pride trip to ABQ, our Southern New Mexico Pride had its glitches. We left the banners that identify our booths at home. This is not as big a deal here as it would have been in Albuquerque because here home is five miles from the park vs. three hours in Albuquerque. The bigger challenge was the camera batteries died just as the walking parade was lining up. Richard did a battery run but was not back until the parade was over. If you have pictures of the parade send them to me at david at nhcv dot org.

Approximately 800 people made their way through Pioneer Women’s Park during the five hour Pride Parade and Picnic. There was never a massive crowd like at bigger events so you could actually enjoy the people and chat. This relaxed environment is what I love and based on my conversations on Saturday a lot of people agree. As Southern New Mexico Pride grows I hope it keeps this easy going feel.

All in all I think Pride season was good. We had some conversations that moved projects forward and had some fun. All the goals were not met but given the resources we had I think we did as well as possible. There will be lessons for next year, there always are.

Happy Pride.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

SNM Pride

Slow internet connection... will blog from home later.... just talked to City Manager about Centers :)

Southern New Mexico Pride ... semi-live Blogging

We are getting ready to leave to Pioneer Women's Park in Las Cruces for Southern New Mexico Pride (10 to 3). I will attempt to blog from the park but if that doesn't work I'll post about the events later today and over the next couple of days.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

ABQ Pride Photos on Facebook Day 2

Here's a link to my Pride Day 2 album on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004344&l=44a68&id=1101246900

The Big Party – ABQ Pride – NM’s Largest LGBT Event

The crowd was probably 8 to 10 Thousand people. It seemed a little less packed than the last couple of years but still huge. The crowd shots are a bit blurry at full size. I wish I could say it was protect the innocent but it’s just me having trouble holding still. Blame it on the Chardonnay in the VIP/Sponsor area :)






ABQ Pride Before the Big Party

We always plan very well for Pride events since they take up most of our June. The lists are made, the supplies purchased, travel plans made and then it all falls apart. J No matter how well we think we are prepared there are always glitches. This year it was with the banners for our new tents. Richard was making them before we left and his plotter (wide format printer) ran out of ink. So he made them by hand Saturday morning. I’m not stressed. I’m not stressed. I’m not stressed. Yeah, Right!


Here’s a scene many of you may not have seen. This is what Pride looks like early in the morning before the crowds arrive. This is set up Saturday morning.




Saturday, June 14, 2008

ABQ Pride day 2 ... the beginning

We are putting the finishing touches on the booths...things that should have been done.. but there are always glitches. I'm off to get parade pictures. Will try to post during the day.

Beginning Day 2 of ABQ Pride

The day starts with Free hotel breakfast after an awful nights sleep. We plan to get to Expo NM By 9:30 AM to be ready for the 11:00 AM opening and 10:00 AM parade. The parade won't get to Expo until 10:30 or 11:00 since it starts on the University of New Mexico campus which is a couple of miles away. Stay Tuned.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Pride photos on Facebook

Here is a link to my album on Facebook with all of today's ABQ Pride pix.


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004295&l=e94fa&id=1101246900

Friday Evening at ABQ Pride

We have pretty well set up both booths at Albuquerque Pride and are relaxing listening to the music drift over from the main stage. Friday evening is usually pretty calm and easy going without the massive crowd of Saturday. ABQ Pride draws about 10,000 people on Saturday and is the largest LGBT event in New Mexico.

A word of warning, expect some typos, laptop keyboards suck.

I took a couple of pictures earlier and we try uploading them. Wish me luck.

We just had a couple of winners of the pet parade stop by the booths. The won best use of Rainbow. I wonder if it was for their use or the dog's :)

More later.

The Pride Adventure Begins...

We are leaving for ABQ. As is the custom for Pride trips we are at least 30 minutes behind schedule. :)

ABQ Pride Prep

It's Friday the 13th, this worries me. It always worries me but with Albuquerque Pride starting this evening it adds a level of stress to the preparations. The plan is to leave Las Cruces by Noon to arrive in ABQ around 3:00, check into the hotel and get set up at Expo New Mexico (the state fairgrounds) by 5:00 PM. The live or semi-live blogging will commence once we are set up. Cross you figures the wireless access is good.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Blogging ABQ Pride

I will be attempting to live or semi-live blog from Albuquerque Pride Friday and Saturday (6/13&14). Hopefully, I'll have good wireless access in our booth for the SW LGBT Press and NM GLBTQ Centers. Stay Tuned.