“We’re here. We’re queer. We’re rural,” is the theme for 2023 Ark Valley Pride. The event will kick off on Friday, June 2 at Tres Litros Beer Company in Salida and promises a weekend packed with Pride activities including two drag shows, awards, a parade, and a health fair.
This is a rebooted pride flag by Daniel Quasar. This reboot is meant to be inclusive of queer people of color and trans people. Courtesy of Bloomington Pride’s website.
According to their website, Ark Valley Pride’s mission is to “create a community-driven Pride experience for LGBTQIA+ families and allies throughout the Upper Arkansas River Valley.”
Consider attending one of the following events to celebrate the community.
More information about the events and opportunities to sign up to volunteer is available at the Ark Valley Pride website here.
Event Roster
Tres Litros Ark Valley Pride Kick-Off
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, June 2 at 118 North E Street, Salida, CO
Celebrate the start of Pride Month with speakers, performances, and snacks. A nonalcoholic menu will be available.
Ark Valley Pride
All day Saturday, June 3 at the corner of Sackett Ave and F Street, Salida, CO
Head to Riverside Park to join in this year’s gathering of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Dogs are not allowed in the park, so any canine companions should be left at home. Events include the following:
Pride Village
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3
Pride Village in Riverside Park offers various community organizations sharing information, resources, and activities. Activities are family-friendly and include the Pride Village Stage, Button Making, Face Painting, Drag Camp, T-shirt/Poster Printing, and more.
Itty Bitty LGBTQ+ Health Fair
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3
You can now find the Itty Bitty LGBTQ+ Health Fair at Ark Valley Pride. This is a growing list of health services, tests, and resources. Drop by to check out all the services offered.
Youth Pride Presentation & Awards
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3
Celebrate our area youth with awards, activities, and performances on the Main Stage.
Purple People Powered Pride Parade
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Fourth and F Streets.
Participants will meet at Alpine Park to zhush up for the parade. The parade will begin promptly at 3:05 p.m.
Dance Party
3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Saturday June 3
Carry on the momentum from the Purple People Pride Parade by enjoying a dance party featuring a DJ at Riverside Park leading into the presentation and awards.
Pride Presentation & Awards
4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at the Main Stage
Local leaders and community members will share stories, perspectives, and celebrate the community through the annual Ark Valley Pride Awards.
Drag Show in the Park
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3
A drag extravaganza hosted by Emcee Chad that includes a cast of Colorado’s favorite Drag King and Queens including a few local favorites. Bring cash to tip the cast.
21 and Older Drag Brunch
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at 419 D Street, Salida, CO
The closing festivity of Ark Valley Pride is the Drag Brunch hosted at A CHURCH in Salida. This brunch-style show will host six drag performers and include festive drinks and food. You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here. Remaining tickets begin at $25 for standard seating to $35 for VIP Seating in the Chapel.
Other Community Pride Events
Comedy on the Rocks – Pride Week Edition
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31 at Tres Litros Beer Company
I am My Own Wife
6:00 p.m. Friday, June 2nd at Box of Bubbles 206 E St/135 East Second St, Salida CO
Colorado TINTS and Box of Bubbles are presenting award winning actor and director Greg West in scenes from I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright. This 40 minute piece tells the story of Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf, the German transvestite who survived the Nazi onslaught and the repressive Communist regime nearly 50 years after the liberation of the Nazi Death Camps.
I’m Harvey Milk
7:00 p.m. June 8, at A CHURCH, Salida
7:00 p.m. June 9th, Stardust Theater, Buena Vista
I’m Harvey Milk chronicles the life of early LGBTQ+ leader Harvey Milk. The play follows his life from his childhood to his tragic assassination in San Francisco City Hall. Join the PfCA for a pre-show Happy Hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.
More information is available in AVV’s previous story here.
Featured image: Lady Shug. Image by Brooke Gilmore.
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