Punta Gorda – Punta Gorda will celebrate its fourth annual Charlotte County Pride Fest on April 30 from noon to 6 p.m. at Laishley Park.
“The park is beautiful and it’s right on the water,” Pride president Carrie Mallia-James says. “You overlook Charlotte Harbor, and feeling the breeze coming off the water is just awesome.”
The 2016 festival will include live music by Wicked Karma, Savanna Galloway, The Cheaters, Delaran Withers and Zombie University. Drag performers Alyssa Lemay, Mya Valentine, Drag Clyo and Fairyanna Belle will entertain guests throughout the day.
Activities like Stealth Mobile Laser Tag games, bull riding, Gravity bungee jumping and various skill games will be available. Mallia-James says the festival promotes a family-friendly atmosphere to accommodate the many families in the community and ensure everyone is included.
“We saw a lot of people going to Pride and just watching what’s going on,” Mallia-James says. “The board agreed to make it fun not just for adults, but for kids too. We decided we wanted to keep people there as long as we can, so let’s do some other things besides have vendors and music.”
A painting by John Dedo Cristina will be auctioned off at the festival. Cristina painted the piece after hearing about a transgender teen’s experience with bullying; the piece represents Cristina’s interpretation of the pain.
The day will end with a raffle at 6 p.m. Some of the prizes include a weekend getaway to Key West provided by the Key West Express and Alexander’s Guest House, Disney World tickets, jewelry by Kay Jewelers, tattoos by Tom Cat Tattoo, karaoke party by American Honey and a perfume basket from Dillard’s.
Those who want to continue dancing and celebrating are encouraged to attend the Pride after party in the park. The party last until 10 p.m. and will include go-go dancers, music, beer and wine.
Mallia-James says Punta Gorda has been very receptive to the Pride festival and the LGBT community. She says the mayor has spoken at Pride opening ceremonies, and she has collaborated in writing LGBT laws into city regulations.
“Charlotte County is basically a conservative area, but Punta Gorda is a little more progressive,” Mallia-James says. “Hopefully the rest of the county will follow suit after seeing the support Punta Gorda has given us. I really encourage the county commissioners to join us at the festival and I hope to see some of them there.”
Festival admission is free, but monetary donations and non-perishable food and hygiene items for CHAPS pantry are accepted upon entry. CAN will offer free HIV testing throughout the day. Guests will enjoy shaded tents at the event, but are encouraged to bring chairs.
For additional information or to make a donation, please visit CharlotteCountyPrideFL.org. Supporters can also donate to Charlotte County Pride Fest through Amazon Smile.
