Charlottesville's First-Ever Pride Festival

The Pride Festival will be held September 15th (next Saturday) from 2-6 pm at Lee Park in downtown Charlottesville. Lee Park is next to the Downtown Mall and the Central Library. Lee Park is on East Market Street. Parking on street and Market Street Garage. Notes from Amy Sarah Marshall, C'ville Pride President We're super-excited by the overwhelming response we've received from the community. I had originally wanted to have an event like this to draw people out of the woodwork - or closet - where many people in this area stay.  I'm delighted that my dream is actually coming true. So many folks have told me that they just keep to themselves and don't get involved in anything having to do with the LGBT community, but they are thrilled to have this opportunity to connect with others. Over 630 people on Facebook alone have said they are attending the festival. Area businesses will sponsor & attend as vendors I guess you just don't know until the question is asked whether a business or organization supports equality and LGBT rights or not. I think many of us - including myself - just don't ask the question. We "pass" as straight, stay under the radar, constantly questioning or wondering if we'd be accepted or rejected by others based on our sexual orientation. It's a pretty safe way to exist, but it's also a weighty burden to carry. Lisa, Amy Sarah, Buck & Julie Festival will provide fun lots of fun We will have poetry, drag performances, music, performance art in the main tent. Dave Norris, former Charlottesville mayor, will host. We'll also be joined by the lady arm wrestlers, the Derby Dames, face painters, jewelry crafters, nail and hair salon professionals, food vendors, and more. The kids' area will feature a bouncy castle and crafts and bubbles. The spiritual community will be represented by churches and Buddhist organizations. Non-profits representing healthcare, politics, and community activism will offer information on available resources. A special wedding vendor table will list LGBT-friendly services. But most of all ... The LGBTQ community will get the chance to find each other and get support for being themselves from straight allies and supporters. We as a whole community will get a chance to celebrate and stand up for equality for all of us.                                                                                                    Love ... Amy Sarah Marshall Comment from Reverend Elisheva Clegg, ordained Interfaith Minister This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone who receives this e-mail newsletter and lives in Virginia, Maryland and DC area to drive down to Charlottesville for a terrific day of sharing. We will have a table at the Festival with handouts to let the LGBT community know how we promote and support marriage in Washington, D.C. as the closest zone of equality for same-sex marriages. The Festival is perfectly located next to the Historic Mall with restaurants and shops for an extended evening of enjoyment after the events in Lee Park. Why not spend the weekend? For more information go to  www.cvillepride.org              Blessings ... Reverend Elisheva