Downtown Ferndale will host its third annual Ferndale Pride on June 1 for the LGBTQ and ally community. The event brings the community together for a weekend celebrating acceptance and diversity. What many may not realize is that for the group of people that get together and make Ferndale Pride happen, the planning is part of the fun too. In the weeks leading up to the June 1 event, the Ferndale Pride planning meetings make all the difference.
Dozens of volunteers gather in the Affirmations Community Center Youth Room to share their ideas, hopes and dreams and this year's event is on its way to being bigger than last year with organizers planning on up to 15,000 attendees this year. There are volunteer meetings every week, with the day moved around to give everyone who wants to a chance to get involved.
"You are welcome to come to every volunteer meeting, but it is not necessary," stressed volunteer coordinator Monica Mills.
There are many tasks to be done including planning, promoting, handing out posters and flyers, fundraising, advance events, bar parties, staffing entrances the day of the festival for donations, working at the Ferndale Pride Event Staff and Volunteer check-in table, security, moving tents and chairs, stage hands, entrance greeters, helping in the kids area, recycling / trash pickup, and breaking down the event when it's over. Tasks are divided into short shifts so it's convenient for everyone's schedule.
Upcoming meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. at Affirmations:
Thursday, April 11
Wednesday, April 24
Thursday, May 9
Wednesday, May15
Thursday, May 23
Wednesday, May 29
Ferndale Pride takes place on June 1 and the main activities will be on 9 Mile. There will be two stages and plenty of after party events. Related events include the Southeast Michigan Dyke March, the Rainbow 5k Walk/Run, multiple club and bar events, "alley" and patio parties, dinners, art shows, and many other fun events. Proceeds from Ferndale Pride benefit Affirmations Community Center, Project XYZ, Ferndale Community Foundation and Michigan AIDS Coalition. In addition to volunteers, organizers are seeking sponsors and booth rentals. For more information visit their website http://www.ferndalepride.com. Affirmations Community Center is located at 290 W. Nine Mile.
