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Celebrated since 1989, thankfully it’s true that love still rules the day, so why not relax with their latest motto ‘The Love Is Coming’… Dr. Motte, noble founder of the original Love Parade has always known instinctively what time it is, and that music knows no boundaries. He spoke with Ibiza-Voice in April this year and wished widely for a ‘profound illumination’.

Building bridges for this event as a free party for all, with only a suggested $5 donation per head, Joshua Smith president of Love Parade San Francisco has a considerable job on his hands. Bringing in light and understanding to the scenic waterfront and streets of San Fran, the team are obviously expecting a fair few faces to assemble in the Bay Area on a communal mission of nurturing tolerance and respect between nations and individuals. San Francisco already has a remarkable history of holding eclectic events for boundless amounts of party people, including Gay pride celebrations and the spirited Castro Halloween and Folsom Street Fair gatherings. The Love Parade will therefore build upon the existing vibrant scene and add a new electronic spice of its own as Joshua reveals below… Vote rocking DJ, Paul van Dyk meanwhile comments, “I am sure that the positive and peaceful vibe of this event will be an extra feature in the amazing cultural life of San Francisco and is going to become an annual highlight.”

A long list of artists including such talents as: Doc Martin, DJ Dan, Adam Beyer, Sandra Collins, Hybrid, Donald Glaude, The Advent and Christian Smith will spin at the Love Parade SF edition, but for a fuller line up click the link of love below. On the float front there will be movements from Spundae and Opel, Om Records, Jet Set Music and Looq Records among many others. As a person whose work is focused on this electronic adventure, Mr Smith naturally has much to say. So let us move on now to the voice of a man who can, and will bring some much-needed love to the USA this October. 

Greetings Joshua. What does your own background entail and how did you get involved as president in bringing the love to San Fran?
“I have 10 years experience serving on the board of directors for San Francisco’s ‘Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration’ committee. Then over three years ago an activist contacted me hoping to utilise my extensive event management experience...”

Have you been to Berlin or to the other Love Parades?
“Yes I have been to Berlin on three occasions!”

Are you friends then with Dr. Motte and is he attending to witness the love?
“I have had the honour of meeting Dr. Motte on several occasions. His dedication to creating change and unity through music is a true inspiration.”

Taking place in North America for the first time have there been any problems with red tape entanglement and how many people are you expecting on the day?
“San Francisco has a long history of embracing new and cutting edge concepts. Love Parade is no exception. We are happy to report that the City of San Francisco has been very supportive, thereby allowing us to get through the red tape quickly.”

As a non-profit organisation, how does this miracle happen with just a $5 donation from each participant?
“Through the help and dedication of dozens of volunteers, stakeholders and private businesses who thankfully share our vision.”

Do you need still volunteers to fill parade duties listed on your site such as: float monitors, ambassadors, runners, trash and even toilet monitors?
“Yes, yes, and yes! Those wishing to volunteer should visit our website at www.loveparadesf.org and get involved!"

How many floats will there be on the day, and which of these will you be riding on?
“I am happy to report that we will have several dozen floats, but with so much on my plate I have not had a moment to consider riding on a float – yet!”

For those who don’t know, can you tell us a bit about the Bay Area of San Francisco, its colourful party people and how the parade fits into this existing scene?
“San Francisco has always been a unique place like no other in the United States… A place that welcomes those who do not always fit into the norms of their own community, a place that welcomes those who march to a different beat; it’s a city that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. Love Parade as an event is dedicated to bringing diverse communities together through dance music, so it firmly carries on the San Francisco tradition.”

There must be obvious reasons why this parade doesn’t cross the glorious Golden Gate Bridge en-route, can you perhaps explain for those unfamiliar with the locality?
“Yes, SF is of course famous for it’s hills and a route to the Golden Gate Bridge would take the parade over a steep incline, which would create safety issues and make the event less than accessible to those with physical challenges. Closing the bridge would also cut off access to over half a million people who live north of San Francisco!”

Who validates the floats, what if say Muck-muffins wanted to give you dollars to put their muffin and its soundtrack on a float, what would you say?
“The board of directors has charged our sponsorship and marketing team with reviewing all proposals. Each is looked at on an individual case by case basis.”

We hear it’s to be an annual event so how do you see the next few years in terms of growth and the parade’s development?
“We hope to fully develop events leading up to Love Parade 2005. If all goes as planned the event next year will be anchored by a large, fixed stage featuring international DJs. We look forward to working with our community stakeholders to develop a plan that will grow and respond to our communities needs… But what do you think Love Parade 2005 should look like? Tell us, it’s your event!”

Where will the best after-parties be held in the Bay?
“Being a board member I am sworn to neutrality in relation to recommending after-parties. We encourage everyone to visit our website for information on any after parties.”

October is summertime in San Fran, so how hot will it be and what about that fog?
“October weather will be a bit of a toss-up. We could see temperatures into the 80s, however a chilly, summer-like fog is not out of the question either. In short wear layers, the day may begin foggy but end up warm.”

Have you a closing message of love for The Voice readers?
“Love Parade is about building bridges between all people through electronic dance music. So come help us build this bridge and create change!”

San Francisco’s Love Parade will take place on Saturday 2nd October. The festivities kick off at 1pm in San Francisco's downtown financial district at Market and Beale Streets. The procession then travels along the scenic waterfront to 3rd Street, where it will then head to Terry Francois Blvd for a post-parade festival. This will run until approximately 9pm and is to be composed of the floats and DJs that took part in the parade.