KALAMAZOO-
Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center's 6th annual Kalamazoo Pride event returns to Arcadia Creek Festival Site for a celebration of diversity spanning the June 14-15 weekend with live entertainment, dancing, over 75 vendors, food trucks and cold beverage options.
This year's event will span two days, beginning with a White Party at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14, where everyone is encouraged to dress in all white. The main event is Saturday, June 15, beginning at 2 p.m. Visitors can browse through 'vendor alley' and listen to live music including a DJ, Hannaniah and the Boys and Chicago-based Kimi Hayes, back by popular demand.
Last year, 11,000 people descended on the festival in downtown Kalamazoo for Pride, the largest fundraiser of the year for the KGLRC.
"This year, Kalamazoo Pride 2013 has expanded to an entire weekend of celebrating diversity, complete with Friday and Saturday events, including some that are still in the planning stages, as well as a post-Pride bunch," shares Zachary Bauer, Executive Director of the KGLRC. "We plan to deliver a weekend full of community events, highlighting the diversity, accomplishments, contributions to society and entertainment by and for LGBT individuals as well as their friends, families and allies."
The popular vendor alley will feature affirming and inclusive organizations and businesses as well as tempting food and beverage vendors from all over Southwest Michigan. Additionally, family friendly-activities will take place in and near the youth tent area, including Ben Adler from TruthLocker who will discuss issues and solutions related to cyber bullying.
This year's event is sponsored by Bell's Brewery, Inc., a regional craft brewery based in Michigan with thick roots in Kalamazoo that is dedicated to developing unique and creative ales and beers, many of which will be available at the event. Bell's will also debut a new beer at Kalamazoo Pride – Sparkleberry – a blend of Sparling Ale and Raspberry Ale.
Kalamazoo Pride is offering a two-day admission pass for $10, or separate cover charges are $5 for Friday and $7 to enter on Saturday. Kids 12 and under are free. Full details, updates and entertainment schedules for Kalamazoo Pride are available at http://www.kglrc.org/pride.
