TIPS AND TRICKS...
(and frequently asked questions)

Where does the march start?

The march will line up at Italian Village Park (corner of Kerr and Hubbard)  and step off at High & Hubbard (next to Haiku Restaurant) . The march starts at 1:00 pm, but you should arrive by at least 12:30 for line up.

TIP #1 --  Make friends with people who live on the parade route so you get invited to good parties.

Where should I park my car?

Parking is usually not difficult to find. Before parking in any lot, make sure there isn't a sign posted about towing, and rates - almost everyone at one time or another has been towed by the infamous Shamrock (or scamrock) Towing company... and to make matters worst, they don't take credit cards!. Try to park at a parking meter or side streets. And most importantly lock up your car, and try to remember where you left it!

It is recommended that marchers park near the rally site at Bicentennial Park, and walk or carpool back to the High & Hubbard stepoff. Parking is plentiful near the park downtown, with several surface lots and the Lazarus department store's garage, but the neighborhood around High & Hubbard has only on-street parking.

TIP #2 --  Beware of Scam-Rock towing, and parking lot attendants; these weasels come out of the woodwork anytime they see an opportunity to make some quick cash.. Parking meters are usually FREE on Sundays, so park on the street whenever possible.

Where does the march end?

The march ends at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Columbus. It is a very long walk back especially if it is hot. In past years there has been limited bus service running back to the Short North after the march. However you might want to stay around until 2:00PM at Bicentennial Park, where over 100 booths in a street fair fashion are setup and will display their wares until 7:00PM.

I'm hungry! What about food and drinks?

At the end of the march there will be soda, drinks and water available for sale at the Stonewall tent. It's best you bring your own sports bottle filled with ice and water for the march. Food will be sold by various vendors at the Gayfest Street Fair.

TIP #3 --  Bring your own water or soda if you are low on cash, or if you need frequent refreshment - in past years lines have been long, and refreshment wasn't available due to equipment malfunctions.

What should I bring?

If the weather is forecasted to be sunny and hot, it will be even worse when you are walking the blacktop down high street - so be sure to bring a hat, sun block, light colored clothes and don't wear any clothes you don't want to sweat in! Figure out how much money you want to bring...then double it.

TIP #4 --  Try something new.  Listen to the weather forecast - you should be prepared for the hot sun or rain.

Some Common Sense (and some not-so-common sense) Do's and Don'ts