JOSH LOTT | REUTERS Spectators attend the annual Gay Pride Parade on 5th Avenue in New York. San Antonio’s annual gay pride parade is slated for Saturday, July 5

Stars, stripes and rainbows — Gay Pride Month 2008 is scheduled to end with a patriotic bang.

Four months before a historic Election Day and one day after Independence Day, San Antonio will celebrate its fifth annual pride parade and block party. This year’s parade will light up North Main Avenue during the night with bright lights and a patriotic theme. The theme for the parade is Patriotic Pride.

James Poindexter, parade coordinator, said the parade’s grand marshal will be Eric Alva, a San Antonio native, retired Marine and national spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign.

Murrah Noble and Eryca Daniels will emcee the event. Student groups from local high schools and colleges will participate in the parade and proceeds from the block party will go to local organizations that support the LGBT community.

In recognition of the change in California marriage law, there will be an ordained minister performing nonreligious commitment ceremonies for anyone who wants to participate. Other highlights of the event are to include a high-heel race, food, drinks and a family area at the block party with games and face-painting for children.

Poindexter said the number of people attending the event grows each year. Last year, there were more than 300 attendees, and Poindexter said he expects the turnout for this year’s event to be even greater.

“We’re really just trying to change the face of San Antonio,” he said. “It’s the seventh-largest city in the nation, so we’re trying to have our pride celebrations reflect that.”

Samantha Hensley | 210SA