Starting at noon on June 11^th, a glorious Saturday afternoon in early summer, over 15,000 people will be marching from the BCA Plaza to City Hall Plaza in Boston’s Pride Parade.  They will represent numerous churches, schools, associations, clubs, companies, politicians, bars and sports teams but [still] only ONE neighborhood association.  I am proud to say that the one neighborhood association is the Ellis South End Neighborhood Association. Please join your Ellis, and other South End neighbors for an easy, fun walk in a very important parade.

(See http://www.bostonpride.org/parade/ for the route.)  If you’re not an Ellis member, march with us and ask your neighborhood association to consider officially marching next year (or officially joining with us for a larger South End contingent).  The parade does take place rain or shine, so don’t be daunted by the small chance of a sprinkle or two.

Now for the bribe part—marchers will receive at no charge:

1. Brunch at 10:00 on Tremont Street—we won’t know our position in the parade until that morning so we will be meeting at Harriet Finkelstein’s stoop at 590 Tremont Street to have some yummy brunch munchies, distribute paraphernalia, and let folks know our parade position and post-parade party location.

2. An official Ellis T shirt (We have a few—if you’ve got one, please wear it.)

3. A very classy Pride flag

4. An Ellis button (We found them!!)

5. A bottle of water

6. An eco-friendly Ellis Green Committee shopping bag

7. An EWG sponsored “Beer Tasting & Barbeque” following the parade (and, for those that truly want to party, caipirinhas—Tony insisted, what could I say?)

Let us know if you can join us this year and your T shirt size and we’ll try to find the right sizes.  If you can’t march with us, you can purchase access to the “Best-in-Boston” Beer & BBQ for the low EWG member price of $25.  Send your check by 6/10 payable to:  "Ellis Neighborhood Association", c/o Bill Gregor, 92 Appleton St., Boston, 02116.  Please include the name(s) of those who will be attending and we’ll let you know where to meet us.  Also, if you give us your cell phone number (marchers too, please) we can let you know if we finish early.

Questions?  Contact Ellis Marshalls Bill Gregor at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Kathy Emrich at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Sorry, no refunds after 6/09 for the folks looking for a good time without marching.