The region’s largest celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered culture is more than a festival with food, entertainment and education.
It’s also a positive show of unity for a diverse group of citizens frequently on the receiving end of discrimination and misunderstanding.
“This is the first year we’re doing full programming for both days, so we’re staying open a little bit later this year,” said Debra Pollock, development and communications director for The Center, which puts on the event.
Here’s the lowdown on this year’s festival, which is expected to draw more than 200,000 people.
What: Denver’s 33rd annual PrideFest, one of the top 10 in the country, commemorates the launch of the modern gay-rights movement during New York’s Stonewall Riots in 1969.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Civic Center, downtown Denver
Parade: Begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Cheesman Park, heads west on Colfax Avenue from Franklin Street toward Civic Center
Rally: Following the parade at noon Sunday
Entertainment: Music from Sophie B. Hawkins, Girls Named Kyle, James Roy, Court Clark and the Denver Gay Men’s and Women’s choruses; Drag Kingz of Tranzcend, the Demented Divas; various DJs
Booths: Nearly 250 retail exhibitors, 25 food vendors, five soft drink and beer vendors
What’s new: A family interactive area, kids parade and Latin stage on both Saturday and Sunday, Family Field Day in Lincoln Park.
Returning: Colorado Community Band, Dogs in Drag Parade, Raptor Education Project, Family Day activities and games
Information: Visit GLBT Community Center of Colorado, which sponsors the festival, at 303-733-774 or .
– John Wenzel
