61 Photos Boast a Decade of Pride for Metro East Illinois

The Metro East's First Annual PrideFest: Celebrating Diversity and Equality was held on June 21, 2008 on 2nd St. at West Main in Belleville, Ill. The event was sponsored by Metro East Gays and Straights (MEGS), founded by Janet Brannon, Barbara Arms and Janet Wright.

Of course, things change a lot over time and Belleville's yearly celebration continues to grow -- there's now a high heel race and drag show, as well as the Cornhole Tournament (yup, link here for more information).

Thanks to James Lesch and Darin Slyman at Vital Voice for the photos here.