Written by Katie Smith
Kick off for Sylva’s First Annual Pride event will be this Saturday, September 4th at 10AM at Bridge Park in Sylva. A Pride event is an outdoor celebration of self-acceptance, accomplishments, and legal rights in the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and sometimes Ally, and a plethora of other orientations and identities) community.
A packed-out line up of celebratory events include live music performed by Shell Gang, Swing Low Trio, and DJ Midnite Cowbwoy, a Pride Parade from Bridge Park through downtown Sylva, a family-friendly drag show, and an after-party drag show at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva. Additionally, guests can meander through a vendor village set up in Bridge Park to learn more about Pride, the LGBTQIA+ community, and pick up resources from community members.
Sylva businesses have been gearing up for Pride by decorating their storefronts with special Pride displays and putting together special offers to customers who visit during the event.
Attendees are encouraged to park at public lots around downtown Sylva, the First Methodist Church parking lot in downtown, and utilize street parking. Guests should bring cash to make donations to nonprofit organizations and to tip performers. Make sure to check in at the Welcome Table when you arrive to Bridge Park to grab your name tag and wristband, and to learn more about Sylva Pride!
For more details including a schedule of events head over to the Sylva Pride Facebook page.
These people feel the need to do this nonsense in other months besides June?? The heterosexuals do not feel the need to force their beliefs on local residents with so-called “pride” events. Why can’t everyone just be content with who they are instead of making it an issue all the time? I’m sure you will enlighten us with your profound wisdom, right Brittany!?