Kitsap County Celebrates Pride

Bremerton, WA – Kitsap County will celebrate Pride on Saturday, July 18, 2009 with both old favorites, and new features. Festivities are being held at Evergreen Rotary Park in Bremerton, from noon to 5PM.

The Kitsap Pride Network organizes the annual event for the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally community, and the 2009 planning committee has been working hard to put together an event that exceeds expectations and showcases the talent and supporters in and around our community. Bring family & friends and be ready to enjoy a fabulous day at the park.

Although this year’s Kitsap Pride is being held in the same beautiful location, this year several great new features have been added, thanks to suggestions from previous year’s participants.  We’ve expanded our area for families with children to come and enjoy by adding a bouncy house. There is a covered picnic area for eating, gathering to socialize or just people watching. If you want to be closer to the action there will also be tables nearer the stage, or you can bring a blanket or stadium chairs and make your own viewing area. Don’t forget the Frisbees!

ALL FAMILIES MATTER

We’re really excited this year to be having a “Kid’s Zone”, hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Bremerton. Also, the Kitsap Safe Schools Network is sponsoring a Teen Space that will be hosted by The Q Center. The Q is a local drop in center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied youth from 14 to 19 years old.

Non-stop entertainment from the stage, sponsored by Red Star Events, will include live music from local favorite Inga Nova and the heavy soul and funk sounds of the Kim Archer Band. Plus, local band Vera the Ghost.

This year’s Community Partner organizations the Kitsap County HIV AIDS Foundation, Kitsap PFLAG, Kitsap Safe Schools Network, Positive Solutions, The Q Center, Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Our vendor marketplace should be a bustling avenue of GLBT Support & Education Information, Local Businesses and Merchants. This year there will be jewelry, apparel and accessories. Many of our favorite vendors are returning again this year, as well as a few new ones. Stop by the Kitsap Pride Network booth for some great pride merchandise and this year’s t-shirt.