Grand marshals for Palm Springs Pride parade announced

Greater Palm Springs Pride announced the community grand marshals for the 27th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade later this year.

Melanie Jones, Ellen Zimmerman, Mark Jones and Brian Vatcher were chosen for their impact on the community, according to Greater Palm Springs Pride.

The grand marshal, national grand marshal and celebrity grand marshal will be announced in the next few weeks.

The Nov. 3 parade in downtown Palm Springs is part of the Palm Springs Pride Celebration on Nov. 1-3. This year’s theme is “It’s Time.”

Melanie Jones and Zimmerman own and manage an online publication and directory of “lesbian-friendly” events, groups, clubs and businesses, andorganize events for women.

Mark Jones and Vatcher, who own a Palm Springs public relations and marketing firm, developed the concept of bringing the “Forever Marilyn” sculpture to Palm Springs and volunteer for the Desert AIDS Project.

The grand marshals will also be recognized at the Pride Honors awards ceremony on Oct. 4.

For more information, go to www.psride.org.