The 2009 Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival and Parade will return to downtown this weekend - with noted gay community member Cleve Jones riding along as Celebrity Grand Marshal in Sunday's parade along Palm Canyon Drive.

The two-day festival, slated for Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8 will kick off both days at 10 a.m. at Palm Springs Stadium. This year's theme is "Your Rights, Our Rights, Human Rights."

The festival, which will feature two food courts, more than 200 booths, a Country Western Dance Tent and a host of music entertainment - including headliner and international dance diva, Pepper Mashay - is expected to draw more than 20,000 people.

The always popular Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade will follow on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. along Palm Canyon Drive. Mayor Steve Pougnet, his partner and their two children will ride along -- as well as Mayor Pro Tem Chris Mills and City Council members Ginny Foat, Rick Hutcheson, Lee Weigel and their families.

Festival admission is $15 per person or $20 for a two-day pass.

For more information, visit www.pspride.org.