RIGA - It was the blonde leading the blonde on May 31 as over 500 fair-haired beauties marched through Riga's center to raise awareness and funds for their children's charity.
The "Go Blonde" event which was organized by the Latvian Blonde Association's leader, Latvian Mrs. Universe Marike Gederte, attracted international headlines.
This is the first ever blonde parade in Latvia and perhaps the first of its kind in the world.
"We are just getting started, next year will be even bigger," Gederte told The Baltic Times.
Among the parade participants were also a sprinkling of lapdogs tottering alongside the clacking stilettos of the red, white and pink clad participants.
The widely publicized event was organized not just to raise money for building playgrounds for disabled children, but also to turn Latvian frowns upside down, according to organizers.
Dace Denava, one of the organizers, told reporters the event was a good way to escape the current crisis and gloomy economic forecasts.
"One of the goals of the event is to attract tourists to the city, as well as charity," said Denava.
With over 35 registered teams of 10-20 participants, the sheer number of blondes was unprecedented.
Participants also competed for the titles of best blonde lawyer, journalist, policewoman and politician.
"The event has been so successful, people are happy. "I never expected so much attention," Gederte told TBT.
The event attracted not just eager blonde fans, but people who were looking to get their mind off the usual negativity of the current economic situation.
Present at the parade was 74-year-old Brigita, herself a blonde in her youth.
"I didn't know what to expect, and I thought this might have been just a big show for young blondes, but I see mothers and their little girls here as well as older women having a good time," said Brigita, who donated a portion of her meager pensioner's check to the blonde's cause.
The parade was the culmination of a weekend of blonde oriented events including a golf tournament, fashion show and grand blonde ball.
Participants also donated stuffed animals for Latvian orphans.
Olga Uskova of the International Blonde Association joined the events along with a representative for the Guinness Book of World Records.
Following an orchestral performance, the blondes followed Gederte through Old Town where they were transported by convertibles to Mols shopping center for a fashion show.
The event not only drew hundreds of participants, but also an international media contingent and bystanders eager to get a gander at the pastel appareled blondes.
The event was staged under the banner of "Make the world a brighter place."
Despite the call to blondes to participate, Gederte said brunettes and redheads were also invited to join in, provided they marched behind the blondes.
Gederte said the association hoped to make the celebration an annual event.
Plans are already underway for the 2010 parade, which organizers hope will attract some 2000 participants.
The Blonde Association is also rallying to make May 31, National Blonde's Day.
