This year is the 20th Anniversary of Pride Parade in Fayetteville and there are events happening all weekend in support of the gay community. Full list on the Facebook page.
Please join other Omni folks to march in the Pride Parade Saturday June 29!
The Trans Pride Parade happens Friday June 28. It’s nothing to sniff at. Last year there were over 1000 people walking. Omni would have loved to have that many in most of our peace protests in the early years. It’s informal, colorful, warm and exciting. It steps off at 7:00 pm on the Square if you’d like to experience it. No registration or questions asked. All friends and supporters are invited. You are qualified to participate if you can wave and smile while you walk.
The main Pride Parade on Saturday June 29 is on another level. The NWA Center for Equality who organizes it anticipates up to 35,000 watchers and participants this year, and maybe 3000 entries in the parade. The color, the joy and the energy are simply magnificent. Here’s the Facebook event to get more information.
Omni Center has walked or ridden in the Pride Parade most years since 2008. There were about 20 people on the sidewalks watching us that year. My how it’s grown. It’s one way to support neighbors who share our values for freedom to be your true self with Pride. Especially when they’re under attack, like LGBQ and Transgender people are right now.
Our entry is always pretty simple. Dawn Newman will bring her pickup truck. We’ll string some bright streamers and balloons around it. We’ll dress up in colorful clothes. Maybe not quite as exotic as some walkers, but color is important. A couple of folks will carry the Omni banner. Some people will ride in the truck, those who can will walk in the parade. That’s where you get to soak up the wildest and most wonderful vibes of the ecstatic parade watchers, IMHO.
It’s supposed to be hot, so dress in light, hot-weather clothing with comfy shoes. If you are too sensitive to the heat you may prefer to celebrate in an indoor setting. We’ll take along cold water and spray bottles to spritz ourselves with when we get hot. Our lineup location is usually on Highland Street just off Dickson. Our pickup truck will be on site around 2:00, but most people don’t need to be there until 3:00 or 4:00. Those who arrive around 3:00 will be sure to find a parking spot at the nearby First Baptist Church. Isn’t that Fayetteville for you?
There are several roles we need help with that day.
People to decorate the truck at about 3:00
2-3 people to carry the Omni banner
2 “wheel monitors” (very important safety job, on-the-job training available)
6+ people riding in the truck
Any number of people walking along beside
I sure hope this sounds compelling to you. You’re welcome to just show up. But if you’d email Gladys at omni@omnicenter.org to say you’re coming, we can be sure to have enough cold drinks for everyone.
It’s not just Gladys though. The whole Omni Board is extending this invitation and would be tickled to see you there. COME ENJOY THE ANNIVERSARY PRIDE VIBES!