The 18th annual P.R.I.D.E. Parade and Back-to-School Bash will be held Saturday, Aug. 8.
The Garvin Run – Balloon Release will be held at 8:45 a.m. Saturday at Cissna and Quindaro (1726 Quindaro Blvd.), Kansas City, Kan.
The parade starts at 9 a.m. from Cissna and Quindaro Boulevard to 9th and Quindaro Boulevard, Parkwood Park behind Fire Station No. 5.
The parade grand marshal this year will be Alvin Sykes, community and civil rights activist.
After the parade will be a day with P.R.I.D.E. black firefighters at Parkwood Park, 950 Quindaro Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free with no admission charge.
There will be special awards, games for children and a talent showcase.
There will be school supplies giveaways for kindergarten and school children while supplies last.
Also, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served.
The pool will be open free to all swimmers, with a canned good donation.
The event is sponsored by P.R.I.D.E., the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. Additional sponsors include the Northeast Optimist Club, Coach Al Hobson, Officer Michael Simmons, Gateway High Steppers Drill Team, Rep. Broderick Henderson, Earl Watson – Shaya Patrick, Unified Government Community Policing, police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Parks and Recreation, Black Police Alliance, Schlagle High School Band, Washington High School Band, Wyandotte High School Band, WyCo Athletic Association, Rosedale Youth Group, Wild Woody’s Foods, Eighth Street Baptist Church, Strangers Rest Baptist Church, Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Rosie’s Dance Academy, Egyptian Cobras, Black Angles, Homeless Boys, Gotti Boyz, Soft Touch, and Sen. David Haley.