Photos by Monique A. LeBleu – The Lounge by sponsor The Foothill at the San Gabriel Valley Pride Festival, Central Park, Pasadena, California, October 13, 2018
“San Gabriel Valley Pride: Stonewall 50!” 18th Annual LGBTQ Pride Event and Car Show will present their 18th annual LGBTQ Pride celebration on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from noon to 10 p.m. in Pasadena’s Central Park.
What makes the SGVPride Festival different from other Pride celebrations is that it is timed for National LGBTQ History Month in October. Designed to provide an environment that fosters a more engaged interaction, the SGVPride Festival takes the opportunity to spread awareness of community history and heritage, current and ongoing issues, as well as share information on services and opportunities for all genders, generations, and overall wider diversity of the LGBTQ communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
Festival highlights include a Classic Car Show, areas for family, health and wellness information, and an Authors’ Tent sponsored by Flintridge Bookstore, a Drag Queen show, a Beer and Wine garden hosted by Three Sisters Catering, The Foothill, and Twohey’s Restaurants, and all-day entertainment.
A 1927 Mercedes Gazelle Replica owned by Aaron Rosenberg and Joel Dupont at the San Gabriel Valley Pride Festival, Central Park, Pasadena, California, October 13, 2018
SGVP each year offers involvement in the Big Draw LA, an ongoing interactive community drawing experience. Also returning is the popular “carnival gaymes” fundraising area which benefits Gay Student Alliances–both high school and colleges, the “True Colours” exhibit shown in LA City Hall this past June, and curated panels from Jeff Sheng’s Fearless portraying High School and College athletes who came out while in their sports.
There is an Interfaith Service and Blessing of the Animals (cats & dogs on leashes or in carriers) at 1 p.m., which is officiated by members of the LAQUICC (Los Angeles Queer Interfaith Clergy Council) and SGV area churches, coordinated by Rev. Dr. Pat Langlois, Senior Pastor at MCC United Church of Christ in the Valley.
All this, including 30+ exhibitors and community service organizations, a lineup of local entertainment artists from throughout Southern California, is free at the festival, with great food and beverages available for purchase.
The vendors’ area will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pride Beer Garden will run until 8:30 p.m. and entertainment and refreshments will run until 9:30 p.m.
SGVP, Inc. sponsors this year include Tito’s Vodka, the Tournament of Roses, Huntington Hospital, Flintridge Bookstore, Great Autos of Yesteryear, the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center, the Big Draw LA, Twohey’s Restaurant, Three Sisters Catering, Foothill Restaurant, and The Boulevard, with media sponsors the Alhambra Source, LA Blade, and Fight Magazine.
Visit sgvpride.org for more information.
