SPRINGFIELD — Thousands of people participated in the second annual Springfield Pride Parade on June 3, while spectators lined the streets to cheer and clap as it made its way down Main Street. On June 1, the city kicked off the festivities with the raising of the pride flag with Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Angelo Puppolo, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judi Crowell, Springfield Pride Parade founder Taurean Bethea, members of the parade board and supporters. “We’re back,” Bethea declared. The parade board also hosted its inaugural You Ball at MGM Springfield, the proceeds from which will go to support the Safe Space Springfield initiative.