The sounds of the Gay Pride parade could be heard across False Creek.
Whistling, yelling, honking and general merriment was an enticing stimulus for people all over to Vancouver to come and have a look at what was creating such a ruckus.
The Pride parade happens the first Sunday of August every year to celebrate the round up of Pride week. Garish costumes, colour and rainbows are unleashed to the pleasure of the hundreds of thousands of spectators who line the streets of the west end. This year didn't disappoint, which was fortunate, as I had dragged my Mom along to witness her first Vancouver Gay Pride parade; much to her intial hesitation.

We stationed ourselves as close to the procession as possible and watched as float after float passed by, most with music pumping hard, and men and woman dancing just as hard. It was when the nudist colony approached, marching in formation, only wearing their birthday suits, that I snuck a look at my Mom who, instead of being disgusted, was clapping and yelling, and thoroughly enjoying herself.

It's impossible not to get caught up in the excitement and good mood that the pride parade creates. A word of advice if you are planning to catch next year's parade. Arrive early for prime viewing spot. Either that or befriend someone living in the west end with a well situated blacony!