Monday 1 June 2009 Rirga — Several hundred blondes marched through the Latvian capital Riga Sunday in a bid cheer up the crisis-hit Baltic
nation, suffering the worst recession in the 27-member EU. Led by an orchestra, the first-ever blond parade featured women dressed in pink and white, some accompanied by lapdogs, in a charity fund-raising event that organisers hope will become an annual event. “I’m not stupid — I’m beautiful and I’ll prove it,” blonde participant high school student Ilona Zigure told AFP. Organisers said they were determined to bring positive energy to their country, expected to see its economy contract by 16 percent this year. The parade is part of the what they are calling Blonde Weekend, which will also features a blonde golf tournament, a little lady fashion show, an evening ball, and a children’s drawing competition. “It’s a great time to spend in the parade and contribute to a charity,” said Ieva, one blonde spectator.
“Finally something different, something positive because I’m tired of hearing about the crisis,” said another, 70-year old Ausma.