GALLERY: Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade

A photographer's first time at one of the largest gay pride festivals in the U.S. proved "there was no way I was getting out of this parade without something sparkly or sticky on."

People came from far and wide to show their pride at Long Beach's 29th annual Lesbian and Gay Pride parade this year. This was my first time, and here were my impressions:

Bands of rainbows in streamer, balloon and flag form danced in circles in the midday Long Beach heat down Ocean Boulevard. Smiles creased faces from ear-to-ear as spirits rose right along with the Cheer Elite crew who pumped up the crowd's spirits before the parade's kickoff. 

House and electronic music seemed to blast to the rhythm of everyone's pumped up heartbeat as city officials and Grand Marshals set the tracks down Ocean Boulevard.

Club vans, party buses, dance teams, schools and all followed closely behind.

I snapped pictures of the photogenic drag queens, the hot sailors and the picket fence causes.

As I peered behind the lens, random street dancers did not hesitate to place stickers on my shirt and beads around my neck.

I felt like a living Christmas tree; there was no getting out of this parade without something sparkly or sticky attached to my body.

I just needed water to combat the heat; oh wait, that was quickly taken care of as somebody broke out a hose and sprayed guys in Speedos while they retaliated with water guns.

So as cliche as this may sound, I can say "I'll be back" for next year's colorful festivities. 

Thanks for the fun times, Pride!

Read the full article at: https://patch.com/california/belmontshore/photos-2012-pride-parade