Capital Pride Parade and Festival Lights Up D.C.

The Capital Pride Parade took to the D.C. streets Saturday, mixing newsmakers with families, citizens and supporters in the signature event among 50 hosted by Capital Pride in May and June.

This year's parade featured a couple of firsts: For the first time, a U.S. military color guard marched alongside rainbow flags in the parade.

The eight-member color guard team is from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and was authorized by the Department of Defense.

Meanwhile, David Catania -- the first openly gay member of D.C. Council and now a candidate for mayor -- brought out a strong contingent of supporters, as did other elected officials and candidates. Mayor Vincent Gray was there, and tried to put beads on members of the Westboro Baptist Church, who were protesting the marchers.

Westboro has claimed it will also protest at D.C.'s Wilson High School Monday morning. Wilson's principal, Peter Cahall, was also marching today; on Thursday, Cahall told students during the school's annual Pride Day that he is gay.

If you missed the parade, you can continue the weekend celebration with the Capital Pride Street Festival on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

More than 150,000 visitors will join national and local performers, politicians and activists at the Capital Stage.

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Located between 3rd and 7th streets NW on Pennsylvania Avenue, the festival will include nearly 300 information exhibits, live music, beverage gardens and numerous food vendors. 

Rita Ora, Betty Who, and DJ Cassidy are a few of the headliners who will be performing on the main stage.

Donations will be accepted at the entrance of the festival.

Check out a full list of activities offered by Capital Pride.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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