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SUPERIOR — The Duluth-Superior Pride Parade started Sunday at noon with the grand marshal Carolyn Reisberg wearing a crown and rainbow cape, and waving to the crowd along Tower Avenue from the back of a pickup truck.
After the parade, Reisberg said she was impressed by the size of the crowd.
“I’ve never seen it this big, in all my years of being involved,” she said. “It’s outstanding to see.”
Behind Reisberg, Duluth and Superior mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine drove or rode on motorcycles. Several political and community organizations in the parade handed out info, flags, beads, T-shirts and candy. Bubbles filled Tower Avenue as floats made their way down the route.
Crosswalks along the parade route were painted rainbow colors, prompting many to stop and pose for pictures.
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“Everyone’s just so happy and it’s so much fun,” said Angel Scherkenbach of Duluth. “And everyone’s ready to compliment each other and just have a good time together.”
Sterling Silver dancers danced down and back up the avenue to the sounds of “Born This Way” performed live from the back of a truck by Born Too Late. The dancers twirled flaming and regular batons along with younger students waving rainbow fans.
Paine made his way back down the parade route after initially riding down on a motorcycle with Larson, this time stopping to give out hugs and handshakes.
“I love the energy and the feeling of love that you can feel,” said Alicia Gaskin of Superior. “It’s a place where people can be their authentic selves and be accepted.”
Gaskin noted that she especially appreciated being back this year after taking a hiatus during COVID-19. The parade continued in 2021, but not to the same level, and Gaskin said she missed it.
“It’s heartwarming to see people gathering again,” she said. “It’s not over yet, but it’s nice to see things coming back.”
Pluto Scott said they appreciated the parade’s route, as it made its way down one side of Tower Avenue and then looped around at the end to go back up the other side.
“And it’s just really uplifting to see so many people here and at the festival yesterday,” Scott said.
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The number of floats and participants was a welcome surprise to Reisberg. As someone who worked on the organizing committee for Duluth-Superior Pride, she said she remembers a time “when the parade lasted like 10-15 minutes.”
“We worked so hard to make the festival better for the 11 years or so that we helped run it and then we passed it on to the next generation,” Reisberg said. “And I’m blown away! I’m so proud of what they’ve been able to do and by the response. We have such a diversity of people here, just supporting the parade and yesterday at the festival. It’s amazing to see.”
