September 5, 2012
'Savannah Pride' Festival Kicks Off
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 2 MIN.
SAVANNAH, GA - The spirit of unity, acceptance, and inclusion will fill the air this weekend, as the 13th Annual 'Savannah Pride' festival kicks off in Forsyth Park.
The festival, which runs Saturday, Sept. 8th from 12PM to 10PM, will boast dozens of vendors, thousands of people, and some of the biggest names in entertainment Savannah Pride has ever seen.
"From 'JoJo', to 'The Sexual Side Effects', we've reached a new level of entertainment this year," said Chris Brown, President of Savannah Pride, "We started this year wanting to focus on giving back to the community, this is just one way we feel we're able to do that."
One way, Brown says, because this year alone Savannah Pride has given thousands of dollars worth of donations and support to several different charities including Safe Shelter, and domestic violence shelter in Savannah.
"The festival has to be inclusive of everyone, and we recognize that," said Brown, "In order to do that though, we have to give something more of ourselves to a community that gives so much to us. I think that's why Savannah Pride has seen so much success over the past few years, and will continue to be successful well into the future."
Getting there early will save you money too; tickets for the festival are just $5 until 5:00PM, and go up to $7 after that time.
If you'd like to attend the festival for free you can; the non-profit is still seeking volunteers. Anyone interested in participating in 'Pride', should contact Savannah Pride's Volunteer Director Justin Johnson at [email protected]
The weekend's schedule of events is below.
Ms. Savannah Pride Pageant
Where: Club One
When: 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
What: Drag Queens compete for the title of Ms. Savannah Pride. Hosted by the always impressive Shangela from Rupaul's Drag Race, the winner of the pageant receives $500 and the title crown. Special guest appearances by Kristina Foxx and the reigning Ms. Savannah Pride, this pageant is certainly a must see.
White Party
Where: Brockington Hall
When: 7:30-10:30 p.m.
What: A luxurious evening in historic Brockington Hall. Come out and celebrate Savannah Pride in style, light hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. A silent auction will also be held. This perfect kickoff to Savannah Pride weekend is an annual event you can't miss.
Savannah Pride Festival
Where: Forsyth Park
When: 11:45 a.m.-10 p.m.
What: The 13th annual Savannah Pride Festival will have more than 50 vendors and a wide variety of entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Tickets are $5 before 5 p.m. and $7 after 5 p.m. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Come out and show everyone your pride with 'Savannah Pride: Proud to Be'!
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Where: Club One
When: 5:00PM- 3:00AM
What: Join us to show your support for all of the people that make pride happen. The event is 18+ and volunteers get in for free. Entertainment and food is included. We couldn't put on the Savannah Pride Festival with out our volunteers. We take every opportunity to let them know just how special they really are.
So come out, and show off your pride with this year!
Questions, comments, concerns? Email [email protected]
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
