Pride flag raised at McDougall Centre for first time

An Alberta cabinet minister raised the Pride flag at downtown Calgary'sMcDougall Centre for the first time.

Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda hoisted the flag fromthe roof of the provincial government building as part of the Calgary Pride celebrations going on this long weekend.

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A rainbow crosswalk is also complete at the corner of 8 Avenue and Centre Street downtown by the Calgary Tower. The crosswalk almost didn't happen this year, but was saved by a crowdfunding campaign.

The Calgary Pride parade hits the streets on Sept. 4 at noonwith writer, musician and filmmaker Rae Spoon as the parade marshal.

Representatives from more than125 groups, corporations, politicians andchurches will marchthrough the heart of downtownand celebratethe city's diversity.