This was Huntsville's first real gay pride festival, and the first that I had ever attended. In previous years, the city's gay pride celebrations consisted of a dozen or so folks holding signs at busy intersections throughout the city. In 1996, however, the organizers decided to start doing it right. It was a gorgeous and sunny June morning, and McClung Park right outside of downtown was decorated with the colors of pride. The streets surrounding the park were lined with cars belonging to the over 500 people who attended, quite an impressive number for a city the size of Huntsville. I was in awe much of the day, especially when I ran into people that I hadn't seen since high school. It was truly an unforgettable day.