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Written by Brooke
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Wednesday, 23 June 2010 03:11 |
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I keep getting questions pertaining to Visalia Pride so I want to offer some clarification to you all now. As you know, last year Gay Visalia hosted Family Fest, a festival celebrating our community. We will be doing it all again bigger and better this year on September 25th. Like last year, we will have events and activities for kids. We will also have planned activities for the adults, like relay races and other contests. Family Fest will continue to have booths and vendors and be appropriate for all ages and all lifestyles.
On that same day, in the same park, Visalia Pride will be happening. They have formed a committee and are trying to hold the very first -official" Pride Visalia has ever had. They asked to join forces as this was the first attempt to make it happen. I agreed, so we are sharing the location and date. Please know that Gay Visalia, a division of Gay Central Valley, is in no way affiliated with this event. Although we are doing what we can to ensure it is a success, it will remain as two separate events. Therefore, if you have questions or want to be involved with Visalia Pride, please email them at
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I hope this has helped clear the air. You may continue to contact me for anything related to our organization, the website or Family Fest. Thank you all for your support!
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Last year's Family Fest was a great event, and I'm looking forward to this year. It's amazing how far we've all come in a few short years, especially here in Tulare County!
I would like to comment about the Visalia Pride event, and the talk that it's Visalia's "first official" Pride event. That "official" designation is related to listing of the Visalia Pride's event by an organization designed to recognize and promote Pride events nationwide. I would point out, however, that such a listing only makes it an "official" Pride event of theirs. Visalia has a long history of gay events, stretching back decades. Although not publicized or necessarily well known, groups in Visalia have had Pride celebrations prior to recent events. A big change happened in 2008, when QueerVisalia held it's first Pride in the Park celebration. No longer "flying under the radar", we've now held three PITP celebrations, publicizing them widely. Gay Visalia's Family Fest looks to have begun another great tradition in our area.
Good luck to both Family Fest and Visalia Pride, I look forward to both events continuing the long history of gay events in the Visalia area. They're no longer quiet, discrete parties, but out and proud celebrations of our families and our pride.
Thanks, and see you all at Family Fest/Visalia Pride!
Jim Reeves
Vice President, Queer Networks