KALAMAZOO—Event goers celebrating diversity at the 6th annual Kalamazoo Pride event will be able to raise a glass of Bell’s beer while dancing and singing to an entertainment lineup headlined by Chicago-based Kimi Hayes, back by popular demand.
This year’s event, presented by Bell’s Brewery, Inc., will span two days, beginning with a White Party at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 14, where everyone is encouraged to dress in all white. The main event is Saturday, June 15, starting at 2 p.m., with more than 75 vendors, food trucks, and plenty of cold beverage options to keep the fun going all afternoon. Visitors can browse through ‘vendor alley’ and listen to live music including a DJ, Hannaniah and the Boys and Kimi Hayes.
Bell’s will also debut a new beer at this year’s Pride – Sparkleberry – a blend of Sparkling Ale and Raspberry Ale.
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Diversity is a vital component of our philosophy and this event reflects that as well as our continued support of organizations that work to strengthen our community and bring people together,” said Laura Bell, Marketing Director and co-owner of Bell’s Brewery.
With a continuously-expanding event like this, Kalamazoo Pride is pleased to have achieved the excellence and professionalism that businesses like Bell’s aim to be associated with, said Zachary Bauer, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, the organization that coordinates Kalamazoo Pride.
“We are tremendously pleased to welcome such a wonderful local company as presenting sponsor. It is clear to us that Bell’s investment in our LGBT community is sending a message that things must change and that diversity is no longer an option but a must!” added Bauer.
Last year, 11,000 people descended on the Arcadia Creek Festival Site in downtown Kalamazoo for Pride, the largest fundraiser of the year for the KGLRC.
“This year, Kalamazoo Pride 2013 has expanded to an entire weekend of celebrating diversity, complete with Friday and Saturday events, including some that are still in the planning stages, as well as a post-Pride bunch,” shares Bauer. “We plan to deliver a weekend full of community events, highlighting the diversity, accomplishments, contributions to society and entertainment by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals as well as their friends, families and allies.
The popular ‘vendor alley’ will feature affirming and inclusive organizations and businesses as well as tempting food and beverage vendors from all over Southwest Michigan. Additionally, family friendly-activities will take place in and near the youth tent area, including a speaker from TruthLocker who will discuss issues and solutions related to cyber bullying.
Kalamazoo Pride is offering a two-day admission pass for $10, or separate cover charges are $5 for Friday and $7 to enter on Saturday. Kids 12 and under are free.
“All Kalamazoo Pride events seek to show that we’re proud of who we are and that we can all stand together as part of the greater Southwest Michigan community, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender orientation or socioeconomic status,” says Bauer.
Full details and entertainment schedules for Kalamazoo Pride can be found at www.kglrc.org/pride.
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