San Gabriel Valley Pride, Inc. will present their 18th annual LGBTQ Pride celebration On Saturday, October 12 from noon to 10:00pm in Pasadena’s Central Park.
The SGVPride Festival is different from other Pride celebrations you may be familiar with that take place in June. October is National LGBTQ History month. The event is designed to provide an environment that fosters a more engaged interaction. The event is curated to foster awareness of community history and heritage, issues, services and opportunities for all genders and generations of the LGBTQ community in the San Gabriel Valley. Also different from most urban Pride celebrations: the event is FREE to the public!
An Interfaith Service and Blessing of the Animals (cats & dogs on leashes or in carriers) will take place at 1pm. The Interfaith Service and Blessing will be officiated by members of the LAQUICC (Los Angeles
Queer Interfaith Clergy Council) and SGV area churches. Rev. Dr. Pat Langlois, Senior Pastor at MCC United
Church of Christ in the Valley is coordinating this aspect of the event.
This year’s event will feature our popular Classic Car Show, areas for family, health and wellness, an Authors’ Tent sponsored by Flintridge Bookstore. SGVP offers involvement in the Big Draw LA: an interactive community drawing experience. Returning is the popular “carnival gaymes” fundraising area benefiting Gay Student Alliances (both high school and colleges). Also, the True Colours exhibit shown in LA City Hall this past June, curated panels from Jeff Sheng’s Fearless portraying High School and College athletes who came out while in their sports.
All this and 30+ exhibitors (mostly community service organizations) and a lineup of local entertainment artists from throughout Southern California with great food and beverage available for purchase.
The vendors’ area will run from 11am to 6pm. The Pride Beer Garden will run until 8:30pm. Entertainment and refreshments will run until 9:30pm. SGVP, Inc. thanks all our Sponsors this year: Tito’s Vodka, the Tournament of Roses, Huntington Hospital, Flintridge Bookstore, Great Autos of Yesteryear, the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center, the Big Draw LA, Twohey’s Restaurant, 3 Sisters Catering, Foothill Restaurant and the Boulevard. Media Sponsors are the Alhambra Source, LA Blade, and THE FIGHT magazine.
Highlights include a photo-op with the Tournament of Roses, the True Colours and Fearless exhibits, a very special display in the Car Show, not often seen up close, the Blessing of the Animals, community Art created by you in the Big Draw LA, the Authors in the Authors’ tent. Adults the refreshing Pride drinks made with Tito’s Vodka and all will enjoy the closing performance on stage at the end of the night.
Visit www.sgvpride.org for more details.
