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    Despite some objections to their participation in the Pride Parade over the past few months, members of the Redwood Veterans Honor guard marched in their usual lead-off position.
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    The Redwood Pride banner followed the color guard and preceded the HSU Marching Lumberjacks in leading off the parade as it began in the Creamery District.
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    College of the Redwoods students from the Queer Student Union marched in the Pride Parade.
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    Arcata High School students from the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance Club marched in the Pride Parade.
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    Families and friends of the local chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays joined the march.
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    Rainbow signs and flags, staples of Pride.
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    The Raging Grannies were a big hit with their harmonies and lyrics re-written to support Pride Week. Members include (from left) Sandy Lynn, Beth Niemeyer, Susan Parsons, Carol Woods, Linda Shapeero, Jean Doran and Sue Hilton.
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    Ana Preciado, of Arcata, checked out the origami-making table offered by the United Church of Christ. Attendees could make their own origami and write words on them in memory or as a peace offering. They were collected for a future ceremonial release into Humboldt Bay.
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    Matt Cendejas, of Arcata, carried multiple rainbow flags that he had purchased at a San Francisco Pride event a few years ago.
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    Zoey Laytart, of Eureka, showed Pride support from her earrings to her flag cape.
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    Kate Trower, of Loleta, said she represented the “rural queer” and her goal was to “drag all of you present today all over the county,” not just in the towns. She said her work as a white Pride organizer was to “defend marginalized voices” of persons of all colors and backgrounds.
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    In response those objecting to persons in military uniform participating in the Pride Parade, Pam Ward of the Redwood Veterans Honor Guard spoke with passion about how “ironic it is in having to justify our presence (in the Pride Parade) and how hurtful it is for those of you to equate our presence with oppression.” Ward challenged attendees to “look past the uniform and look at me. We’re here today to celebrate Pride and anyone who wants to serve in the military — no one should be banned.”
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    Electra lip-syched Taylor Swift’s recent song, “Look What You Made Me Do,” remixed with Britney Spears’ 2004 hit “Toxic,” in a well-received afternoon Pride drag performance on the Plaza.
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    The Raging Grannies performed their greatest hits on the north lawn of the Arcata Plaza in support of Pride Week on Sunday after the Pride Parade.