See the festivities

TWIN FALLS-- The streets of Twin Falls were filled with thousands of people today in celebration of Western Days!  The theme of this year’s event is Saddle Up and Join the Fun.

The celebration has been taking place for more than two decades and is a popular event for not only the people of Twin Falls, but surrounding towns.

More than 100 floats took part in the parade, including one group that's never been permitted in previous years.

Twin Falls started its annual Western Days celebration in 1981 when a resident planned a party with a pancake feed and rodeo.  Two years later that community party expanded to include a parade. 

Today, 114 floats represent several organizations throughout the Magic Valley.

"Churches schools, dance groups, businesses, there are some individuals who want to be in the parade, so they bring their antique cars in the parade, their bikes to the parade," said Lisa Cuellar, Western Days board chair.

It's a diverse group and this year the diversity is growing.

"At least it's another little baby step, but their restrictions are a little bit ridiculous,” said Mitch Silvester.

Mitch Silvester represents the Southern Idaho Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center.  For the first time, his group has been allowed to participate – with restrictions.

The group cannot use its full name, instead has to go by the South Idaho Community Center.  Silverster says an error was made on the parade application.  When they applied, they only used that name leaving out the rest.  Since his party is taking responsibility for that, they've modified their float.

"Not being able to us our whole name, so we put a question mark, who are we, just so to ask some questions.  And on the back we put we support human rights, which is a big part of our mission," said Silvester.

Along with its name, the group was prohibited from pass out AIDS or a drug awareness information, and they can't use their homosexual symbols including the rainbow flag – all of which they've complied with.

"We will follow what the parade organizers have allowed so that we can keep some common ground and not loose any," said Silvester.

"We just want them to be in the parade with everyone else, don’t push your agenda, we don't have every single person in the parade pushing agenda, we just want them to come and have a good time, and that's all we are asking for," said Cuellar.

It's a controversial issue that Cuellar says is getting mixed feedback from the community.

"There is always going to be controversy, because this is an organization that does bring controversy, and we will try it this year and see how it goes and hopefully everything will go smooth and people will have a good time and enjoy themselves," said Cuellar.

"It's just a baby step and we will see what next year brings and this year it's working out," said Silvester.

The Western Days celebration did not end with the parade, there are many activities planned throughout the weekend.

Several area bands played music and the group Cobalt Blue will be performing from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday’s activities start at noon and continue throughout the day, with the parade awards planned for just after 5 p.m.