FIRST-EVER PRIDE ALIVE FESTIVAL SLATED FOR JULY 12
AT JOANNES PARK
GREEN BAY, WI, June 17, 2008 — NEWPride is hosting the area’s first-ever Pride Alive festival, Saturday, July 12, 2008, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., at Joannes Park in Green Bay. The festival will include live entertainment, food, fun, games and activities, and informative presentations that celebrate the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.
Similar to Pride events held in cities across the country, Pride Alive is an event designed to promote awareness about the LGBT community, and to provide businesses, organizations, and local neighbors and friends the opportunity to forge positive community relationships. The festival is family inclusive, free, and open to the general public.
“Pride Alive will be much like other cultural festivals in northeastern Wisconsin,” said Andrew DeBaker, who along with Andrea Schultz co-chairs this first-time event. “It’s designed to showcase the LGBT culture, promote tolerance, and foster acceptance throughout the community.”
This historic, northeastern Wisconsin event is being made possible with the financial support of Rainbow Over Wisconsin, along with contributions from additional local and national sponsors.
The main stage entertainment lineup for the Saturday event includes a kickoff ceremony at noon, followed by Grey Leaf (rock/funk/blues) at 12:30 p.m.; Martha Berner (acoustic) at 2 p.m.; Harvey Hurdle (former Chief Operations Officer of the Human Rights Campaign) at 3 p.m.; German Art Students (alternative rock) at 3:45 p.m.; Nicki Sims (acoustic/blues/jazz) at 5 p.m.; Glamarama (cabaret) at 5:45 p.m.; and ANNEX (rock) at 7 p.m.
To complement the day’s entertainment and festival activities, educational programming will also be offered. Programs will be held in the park’s shelter facility and the schedule includes an 11 a.m. interfaith service hosted by Angels of Hope MCC; a Transgender Transformation Group panel discussion at 12:30 p.m.; a workshop and Q&A session regarding Legal Issues specific to LGBT individuals and families at 1:30 p.m.; a group discussion with Harvey Hurdle at 3:30 p.m.; and Soulforce presentation and panel discussion at 4:30 p.m.
A growing list of generous sponsors is helping to fund the free event. They include lead sponsor, Rainbow Over Wisconsin, along with Oneida Casino, Kimberly-Clark, Starbucks, Arketype, Inc., Avenue Jewelers, FresHair Salon,
Green Bay Net, Triangle Distributing Company, Positive Voice, Quest, and Wisconsin Public Service.
As a precursor to the Saturday festival, two free screenings of the documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So” will be held Friday, July 11, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., at the Harmony Café, 124 N. Oneida Street, Appleton. The movie exposes the reactions and interactions of families of various religious backgrounds and beliefs as they discover their children are gay or lesbian.
Joannes Park is located at 1430 East Walnut Street in Green Bay. Volunteers are needed to help with various activities throughout the day. Contact volunteer coordinator, Andrea Schultz at (920) 562-3830.
For more information about Pride Alive, or for volunteer information, visit www.newpride.org.
NOTE: Andrew DeBaker and Andrea Schultz are available for interviews.
