I started the weekend at the Paramount Theatre on Friday night. The Paramount was hosting The Majestic Party for Austin Gay Pride weekend. Priscilla Queen of the Desert was shown, complete with show girls in the balconies. 
The theater was completely decked out like a nightclub, with lights and a big sound system. There was also a DJ. After the movie there was a dance on the second floor as well as a costume contest. A bus was provided for party goers to travel between the Paramount and the bar Rusty Spurs all night. This was a very fun movie and party experience. The Paramount staff say they are going to make this an annual event for Pride.
I started my Saturday at the Austin Farmers Market. Lots of great vegetables were available. Chef Shawn Cirkiel from the Parkside Restaurant was demonstrating how to cook a fresh corn soup with shrimp.
I made the soup later that week, with corn bought from the market, and it was very yummy.
I went to the Pride Festival around 5pm in order to avoid as much of the sun as possible. This year's festival was in Republic Square park, a much nicer venue than the last few years. There was a lot of great local food and drink. I started off with food from my friends at Rio's Brazilian food, which was very good as usual. I checked out the many organizations. The Austin Fire Department was letting people take pictures with fire men and women for $5. I also caught the Austin Baptist Women show which is a hoot.
Next up, I got a spot on the then crowded 4th street to watch the Pride Parade. I do love parades, even if ours is kind of small here in Austin. There were many city officials, including the Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and many from his department. The Austin Fire department was also well represented. Of course, most of the bars had floats (well trucks, cars, or trailers). My favorites were the Birds Barbershop float and the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls. I have lots of photos up on my flickr sight for people to check out.
Sunday was mostly a day to relax.
I did take a break from chores, to walk down the street to the East Side's latest business, Cheer Up Charlie's. It is a fenced in corner area with a trailer that serves up healthy drinks in coconuts along with other beverages and raw chocolates. The lady that runs the place is very nice. I had a tasty pineapple and basil agua fresca.
Later in the evening I made a pizza with my new pizza stone. The crust was so-so, but the rest was very good. I just need some more practice with making the dough.
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