June 1, 2009

Happy Pride, Poppets! It’s that time of year again and what a year it is going to be. If you are like my friend, Robin, for whom Pride is more important than Thanksgiving and Christmas combined, like my dear David, whose schedule has never allowed him to attend a single Pride event, or somewhere in between, this is a special time for us and our community. As residents of the Bellingham area, we are practically ground zero for some amazing events, too, so grab your calendars and let’s talk events!

Portland has the first Pride in the area. The festival runs Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Saturday the hours are noon to 11:00 pm; Sunday is noon to 6:00 pm. The Parade itself starts Sunday at 11:00 a.m. More information can be found at: www.pridenw.org

Seattle, closer and probably easier to access, comes next, the weekend of June 26th through 28th. Start the weekend with PrideFeast Friday the 26th. Parts of the proceeds from many restaurants will go to nonprofits that aid and assist the LGBT community. Check www.pridefeast.org soon for a list of participating restaurants. On Saturday, head over to the Volunteer Park Amphitheater by 2:00 for Celebrate Stonewall. It’s the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. Let’s give respect, folks. Then finally Sunday, the Parade starts at 11:00 am. Main stage performances run from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm with music from the DJ stage from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. More information can be found at: www.seattlepridefest.org

Beautiful Bellingham ~ and Betty Desire herself ~ bring Pride home July 10th, 11th, and 12th at Market Place. The Parade itself is on the 12th, starting at noon, with events lasting throughout the day. Be sure to stop by and give Betty the props she deserves!

Finally, we are close enough to help our friends to the north celebrate Pride in Vancouver, B.C. Cross the border for Pride Weekend Launch on July 31st at the Vancouver Arts Gallery. That night, stop by Davie Street, between Bukrhard and Bute at 7:00 pm for the Davie Street Pride Party. August 1st, assuming you haven’t overdone it the night before, Davie Street is again the place to be for the Terry Wallace Breakfast. At 11:00 am, the Sunset Beach Festival begins right on Sunset Beach. Get there early or show up after the Parade, which starts at noon on Robson and Thurlow Streets, in downtown Vancouver. More information can be found at: http://www.vancouverpride.ca

And because I’m me, I have to tell you…if you just happen to find yourself (or want to find yourself) in Boston the week of June 5-14, you’re in for a treat. From the flag raising at noon on June 5 running through the block parties on the 14th, the whole city is about us. More information can be found at: www.bostonpride.org or by emailing me at lifeandtimesofbridget@gmail.com

So there you have it, Poppets – lots of Pride events for those of us who have lots of Pride. Have fun. Enjoy yourselves. Remember the world is watching. Have Pride. And until next month, take care of you.