Contra Costa’s smallest city welcomes all to its very big Pride Parade

CLAYTON, CA (June 4, 2023) — Clayton is the smallest city in Contra Costa County, but its pride parade is the biggest. With more than 50 entries, the parade streamed down Clayton’s short Main street for more than 2 hours.

MC Cw Wolfe said that some wonder why a pride parade is a good idea for the town. “It’s important to show that we are welcoming to all,” he said.

After singer Brooke Halliday, accompanied by her dad, performed the Beatles “Blackbird,” grand marshall Ken Carlson got the parade in motion. He recalled how, as a police officer in Pleasant Hill for many years, he never thought he would be able to come out of the closet. But times change. Now he’s Contra Costa County’s first openly gay supervisor. He introduced his husband to cheers from the crowd.

The parade featured a Kung Fu academy, dance groups, drag queens and Dykes on Bikes. Local politicians such as Edi Birsan and Carlyn Obringer participated, as did former Walnut Creek mayor Kevin Wilk. Current city councilmembers Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven, who were instrumental in getting the parade organized, joined the procession with their families.

Here is The Pioneer’s photo gallery from the parade.