Got plans for the weekend? I’m sure there’s a lot going on over on Folsom Street if you don’t. Let’s not forget the Annual Pride Parade and Celebration on Saturday and Sunday. The parade itself starts this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Market St. and Beale St., and continues along Market all the way to 8th Street.

Last year, the parade lasted for hours, so I would imagine this year it will be even larger (and probably longer) as this is the 40th Anniversary. This year’s theme is “Forty and Fabulous”, and will probably feature a lot of the former grand marshals. According to this article by Katie Worth in this morning’s SF Examiner, “every community leader who has ever been chosen to be a grand marshal of the parade has been asked to return to celebrate the heritage of the movement.”

There’s also a great write up by Worth about how Pride weekend impacts the local economy. Here’s a hint… it’s huge for local businesses. Especially hotels and restaurants.

Pride Flag Raising at City Hall

The other day, I attended the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall. I was actually pretty disappointed in the turnout. There were about 30-40 people quietly standing outside, and I thought there would be many more based on the turnout that I’ve seen at the Parade and Celebration events.

Maybe everyone is saving themselves for the weekend?

Over the past week, I’ve started to notice more places around the SOMA neighborhood who are displaying flags and support for Pride, and I’ve started taking photos to share with you. Some of the places display the flags year round, I know. I just felt it would be the perfect time to share this week.

Photo by Jamie Whitaker

I personally like the flags draped along Market Street this month the best. Every few hundred feet or so, there’s another one waving in the wind. It gives a great sense of the bond throughout the City.

I also really like the light show on top of One Rincon Hill, as seen in the photo on the left, provided by our friend, Jamie Whitaker. This photo is from last year, however the same lights can be seen this week.

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Here are a couple of shots from around the South of Market neighborhood….

Lone Star Saloon

Stud Bar

Flags Along Market Street

Still along Market...

One More on Market

Close Up From City Hall