Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, A Smashing Success

From all the news articles, http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200503/s1316897.htm
almost a half million spectators and party goers turned out to watch the 28th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade last Saturday evening, more than double last year's crowd.

Last year's parade was a low point in the parade's history. It almost died after that parade because of financial problems. The New Mardi Gras co-chair, Mark Orr said that the even was a great success, stating, "We are back for good."

He says that there is great renewed interest in the group's events and in the parade over the February/March warm weather season. "We have had a very succfessful festival. So the only way is up really."

Oxford Street, Sydney's main street in the cities' Darlinghurst section, was lined with cheering spectators. The crowd was reported to be generally well behaved. Over 20,000 tickets were sold for the "Party" which is held at another site after the parade.

As usual the Dykes on Bikes joyfully started the parade, as they have traditionally done for the last 18 parades.

The fun of this parade are the political floats including one depicting a mock marriage between Prime Minister John Howard and G.W. Shrub Bush as bride and groom. The Prime Minister later appeared as a very long snake.

On another float, the mock Prime Minister chased a mock Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone around some dancing superheroes called the Incredigays. Hot muscle saves the day.
Other highlists included the mock marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. That alone must have been a hoot.

Some well oiled hot bodies participated in the parade as well as a sea of hot muscle later at the "Party", it was reported. WOOF.

So I am very happy to report that the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has reemerged as a strong tradition in Australia. If you had always planned to go, next year is the time to do it.
You won't be disappointed. Just remember to book a room on the Oxford St. parade route early and make sure you have tickets to the after parade party. It's something every gay man should do at least once in his life.