Pride week kicks off June 24 with a comedy movie, Gayby, at Volcanic Theater Pub. Saturday, June 29 the Human Dignity Coalition hosts the annual festival to highlight bringing equality to LGBTQ communities.
HDC Board member Chelsi Thomas said, “Every year it’s amazing to see that we have so many community members willing to come out in support of pride. It really goes to show that we are not alone in our mission to empower groups that have been socially marginalized. I can’t tell you how excited I am for everyone to see what I’m seeing.”
The Festival this year will be focused on entertainment and information. Entertainment is under the direction of Rise Up International and will include a variety of performers, singers, bands and comedy acts. There will also be various circus acts and belly dancers and the Wabi Sabi booth will have special activities for children.
Over two dozen vendor booths will be present selling interesting items and a number of booths providing helpful information that makes our lives healthier and makes us happier. For adults the Festival will also include a Beer Garden with local beer and Absolut Vodka thanks to Southern Spirits. And for the first time a representative of Sidney Frank Imports will be there with a Jagermeister booth.
Food booths will be available including Dump City Dumplings, The Mexican Cart, The Pizza Cart and Komboucha. Great opportunities for some excellent local food.
The major sponsors this year that help make Central Oregon Pride 2013 possible are Bend Radio Group and especially on Mix 100.7 and PQMonthly Oregon’s major LGBTQ newspaper. Other sponsors include Absolut Vodka, Cascade Arts & Entertainment, The Source, Bend Pet Express, John Paul Designs, Amy Castano Photography & Designs, Stars & Rainbows, Equity Foundation and Pride Foundation.
HDC Board Chair Megan Stackhouse, said, “We are so excited about pride this year because everything seems to be falling into place so early and sponsors have really stepped up to help. I think it is going to be our best pride yet!”
This year Pride will be even greener and cleaner, said pride co-chair Cliff Cook as there will be a Zero Waste event and 100 percent Renewable Energy thanks to Pacific Power who is buying 500 kilowatt hours of Blue Sky renewable energy for the pride event.
Pride Week will kick off on Monday, June 24 with a showing of an award winning LBGTQ comedy movie called GAYBY at Volcanic Theater Pub and is for LGBTQ folks and their guests; there is a $5 charge for the movie. The doors will open at 6pm and beer & wine will be available for purchase. The movie will start at 7pm.
Wednesday, June 26 things get rockin’ at Mountains Edge with a Meet & Greet New Friends from 6-8pm with Absolut Vodka specials and prizes and surprises compliments of Absolut Vodka.
Friday night, June 28 come out for Cosmic Bowling at 9pm at Sun Mountain Fun Center. More prizes and surprises from fun host Zachary Richard who said, “This will be a fun crazy event even for those who do not wish to show of their bowling skills.”
The After Pride Party will start at 7:30pm, Saturday, June 29 at Seven Restaurant & Nightclub on Bond Street in downtown Bend. Seven is a progressive club and draws a variety of people who seem to be open minded and are there to just enjoy and have fun. HDC will be asking for a $3 donation at the door, but everyone is welcome. Once again expect specials from Absolut Vodka and more prizes and surprises.
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