KITSAP PRIDE

We want to thank all of the sponsors of Kitsap Pride 2022. Their generous donations make it possible for us to provide a free festival for the LGBTQ+ community in Kitsap County.

This year’s International Pride theme is Silence to Solidarity. It got our board thinking about how music can help us fill the silence – In our souls and in a space. That brought us to the cassette tape image. We talked about making mix tapes. How music has helped fill space in the pandemic and how this is not our community’s first pandemic. It’s a crazy time for so many and we felt like this is a Remix. It’s familiar and different.

We mixed it up a bit this year and have Nite Wave closing out the stage – playing some great music from the 80s – our first pandemic. Much like the current resurgence of Kate Bush there is something both comforting and empowering. Music can bring us together.

We will start the festival off with a bang – a grand entrance from the Rainbow City Marching Band. We are so excited to have them back and see what they have in store for us. We will do an official welcome and opening to recognize the land and any dignitaries present. Up next will be DJ & Drag. Returning is DJ Dana Dub for dancing and good vibes on the pride lawn. We will also have Versace Doll and friends Melody Lush, Sable Jones St James, Drew Paradisco, Jessica Paradisco, Nemisis, Crystal Jewel Box, Kris Rose, & Sativa Queen.

After Dana finishes his set at 7:30 Nite Wave will take the stage.

The Boys & Girls Club and Kitsap Regional Library are co-hosting a Teen Pride Space with free snacks, books, crafts, games, and a place to hang & connect.

We have 70 vendors signed up including many food and snack options.

The Garden will be our 21+ area featuring Silver City Brewery beer with their Live Loud hard iced tea, Locust Cider from Gig Harbor, Eleven Winery from Bainbridge, and Tito’s Vodka frozen slushie drinks. We have significantly increased our capacity based on last year’s demand.

How to Enjoy Pride

This year there are other events happening at the fairgrounds so parking may be tighter. Gordon Field is at the most eastern part of the fairgrounds. You may have to park in a lot and walk over to our area. Our event on July 23 is from 4 to 9 pm – we plan to be ready early. Look for these signs.

You can bring a blanket or chairs for the lawn – no grills or outside alcohol. Bring a water bottle to refill – help us be more sustainable.

As our event has grown it is less suitable for even the most well-behaved dogs. Please consider leaving them at home.

We ask that you refrain from smoking or vaping in the festival area.

Volunteer – it’s not too late

Sponsors

We could make Kitsap Pride happen (and keep it free) without our generous sponsors and donors. We are grateful and if you ever get a chance – thank them for us. Puget Sound Energy | The Arc of the Peninsulas | Catalpa Clinic Greater Kitsap Visitor Center | Coordinated Care | Scott Lynes & Brian CoulthardKitsap ACES | Kitsap Community Food Co-Op | Kitsap Mental Health Services Kitsap Safe Schools Network | Melissa Wight Homes Northwest Washington Family Medical Residency | Victor Thompson Farmers Agency

Copper Foxes

Our artist this year is Sam (Copper Foxes) who is a panromantic asexual artist raised on Bainbridge Island. They have been designing products since 2017 to sell at local art booths. After graduating from Olympic College in 2019, they worked at a local print shop for nearly two years. At the same time, they worked on developing their art and design business on the side. Now they do freelance illustration, merchandise design, and graphic design full-time. They also run an Etsy shop and a Patreon with their designs and products. Stop by Sam’s booth this Saturday at Pride. @copperfoxes

Check out the poster for this year’s Kitsap Pride!

Kitsap Pride Festival 2022 is on July 23rd and we’re starting to sign up volunteers. Follow this link to see the shifts that are available.

Kitsap Pride is an all volunteer organization, including our board, and we rely on many more volunteers to make the festival happen. It’s a fun way to participate and a great way for friends and allies to contribute. You can sign up as an individual or a group if you want to volunteer together.

Write [email protected] with any questions.

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