Pride Weekend Kicks Off With Mayor's Reception

DULUTH - Thursday evening was the official kickoff of the 28th annual Duluth Superior Pride Celebration. City officials from the Twin Ports and beyond came together at The Depot to open this weekend’s celebration. This year's theme is "Out Is In." The goal is for the gay community and allies to strut their stuff, have fun, and raise awareness of equality in the Twin Ports. Duluth Mayor Don Ness says having a mayors reception is his way of making a high-profile effort to make Duluth not only a welcoming place to live but also inclusive. Mayors from Superior, Cloquet and Two Harbors joined in.  Also, a handful of Duluth city council members and supporting business owners showed up. Pride officials say the event is their way to thank prominent community members for their help in the battle for gay rights."It's huge especially amongst the GLBT community to know that the city officials support our community and believe in what we are trying to do for marriage equality," said Pride co-chair Matt Reeves. Over the years, events have spilled across the bridge into Superior. As pride grows, Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen says he's excited to be part of it. This year, the pride block party on Saturday night at the Flame Nightclug and the pride parade on Sunday will both take place on Superior's newly renovated Tower Avenue."We enjoy their company and being in the community, and being part of the community and helping grow the community,” said Superior’s Mayor Bruce Hagen. More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in this weekend's pride festivities. Pride officials would like everyone, no matter what your sexual orientation is, to join in on the festivities. For a full list of events, click here.