Loud, proud and thousands strong

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland's annual Gay Pride Parade made its way through downtown on Sunday.

Organizers said for the first time this decade all of the allotted space in the parade, which is a celebration of the city's gay and lesbian community, was sold out. This year's theme was 'Beautiful People.'

"It's colorful, the music's fun," said Elise Atwood-Youngstrom, who watched the parade. "People just get so excited and people are willing to jump out and interact with you. There's just so much emotion and so much life in it."

Several local leaders, including Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Michael Reese, were at the parade. Corporate sponsors included Alaska Airlines and New Seasons Market.