2015 Pride in the Nation's Capital a Huge Success
40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital Sets New Records
Washington, DC – As Capital Pride turned 40, it set attendance records despite high heat and thunderstorms.
All three main events – the Parade, Festival, and Concert – saw increased attendance over 2014, surpassing figures from previous years. And for the first time nearly all ticketed events in the 10 days of Capital Pride sold out, including the Opening Party at Arena Stage where attendees came out in full costume supporting this year’s Flashback theme with 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s workout attire.
The 2015 Pride Parade presented by Marriott had nearly 200 entries, including nearly 50 floats, a large increase from previous years. It also included actor and activist Wilson Cruz and DC LGBTA Pride founder Deacon Maccubbin as Grand Marshals, actor Daniel Franzese as a celebrity judge and actor, author, and internet sensation Max Emerson (a/k/a “Maxisms”). In addition, the first wedding occurred in the parade on the Marriott float officiated by celebrity personality Ross Matthews.
The parade was once again led by a U.S. military color guard from the U.S. Department of Defense and a color guard of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from the DC chapter of Scouts for Equality.
The annual Festival presented by Live! Casino brought together 276 different organizations and nearly 250,000 attendees. The Concert presented by Hot 99.5 featured a stellar array of headliners including Carly Rae Jepsen, Wilson Phillips, En Vogue, Amber, and Katy Tiz along with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season seven winner Violet Chachki and runner up Ginger Minj.
“The 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital presented by Hilton was a resounding success,” said Bernie Delia, President of the Board of Directors of the Capital Pride Alliance. “We could not have accomplished this without the work of our board, staff, our dedicated and enthusiastic corps of volunteers, and our sponsors. On behalf of the Capital Pride Alliance, I want to thank everyone who made this milestone year such a memorable one.”
“Now, we begin the planning process for the 2016 Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital,” said Delia. “We encourage anyone who wants to make Pride even bigger and better next year to join us and show the nation’s Pride in 2016.”
But Pride isn’t over yet! Throughout the year, Capital Pride Alliance presents a number of our Pride 365 events to celebrate the LGBTA community. The next event is the Pride Splash & Ride, Saturday, July 18, at Six Flags America. For more information, visit capitalpride.org.
The 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital was made possible by the support of Presenting Sponsor Hilton and Presidential Sponsors Marriott, Hot 99.5, Live! Casino, and Whitman-Walker Health and many more who can be found by visiting capitalpride.org/sponsor.
ABOUT CAPITAL PRIDE
Capital Pride, located in Washington, DC, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTA community and our allies through educational events, entertainment, community outreach, and celebrations of diversity including the annual Pride Parade and Street Festival in our Nation’s Capital. Capital Pride produces one of the largest Pride Celebrations in North America with more than 350,000 attendees in 2014. 2015 marks the 40th Annual Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital with our main celebration taking place June 3 – 14, 2015. As the LGBT Pride Celebration representing the Nation’s Capital, we strive to be a beacon of hope and solidarity for cities and communities around the country and the world. Look for us on Facebook (facebook.com/CapitalPrideDC), Twitter (twitter.com/CapitalPrideDC), YouTube, and Instagram (instagram.com/CapitalPrideDC).
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