By Kari Beckerman & KDRV Staff

April 9, 2011

MEDFORD Ore., -- Thousands of people lined the Pear Blossom Parade route through downtown Medford Saturday.

Dozens and dozens of entries made this years parade stretch to two and half hours.

This year's theme was "Pear-ents, Kids, Family and Fun."

"Southern Oregon Pride" had to fight their way into the Pear Blossom Parade.

Controversy surrounded the group's parade entry. First being rejected and then people boycotting the parade when they were finally allowed in.

Group members say they were happy to assemble this morning and get ready to show off who they are: Just like anybody else.

Aisha Young, a member of Southern Oregon Pride, says it's a part of who she is. That they're all just family and they want to let people know they are no different from any other American family.

The group was the last to walk the parade route to the cheers of many.

There was police presence, and various people who spoke against prides participation and message but no major incidents or confrontations.

The thousands of people who turned out for the parade were also able to enjoy the Pear Blossom street fair taking place Main Street. This is the first year the street fair has taken place in the heart of downtown.

Dozens of vendors were available for people to browse and local business owners say the extra foot traffic has given a big boost to cash flow.

"I hope they keep doing this every year, downtown like this. I mean we usually have Art in Bloom and now this if it's downtown and it also just gives downtown a better feel for the way it should be down here... lively," said Timothy Stone of Jackson Creek Pizza.

The Heart of Medford Association was a key player in bringing the street fair downtown and hope it helps highlight to the public the recent improvments to the downtown area.