Phoenix – Based on nominations received from the Phoenix LGBTQ community, Phoenix Pride is proud to announce this year’s parade will be lead by Rich Zavala, aka Miss Afeelya Bunz and former Pride Parade Director Jamie Henderson-Mays. Community Grand Marshal’s are honored for their contributions not only to Phoenix Pride over the years but for their dedication to the Phoenix LGBTQ community as a whole. This honor is well-deserved by both individuals and we look forward to celebrating them along with the community. The 16th Annual Phoenix Pride Parade will step off on Saturday, April 21st, 2012 at 11:00am. The parade route runs northbound on 3rd Street from Thomas to Indian School where it leads directly into Steele Indian School Park (Phoenix Pride Park), the home of the 32nd Annual Phoenix Pride 2-day Festival.
This year commemorates the selection of the 2nd Annual Celebrity Grand Marshal and LGBTQ Youth Grand Marshals. These new categories were introduced in 2011 and we are happy to announce that these categories have been permanently adopted by the organization. We are proud to announce this year’s LGBTQ Youth Grand Marshal is Max Jannsen; a 14 year old transgender youth and this year’s Celebrity Grand Marshal is local radio personality Beth MacDonald, a long time ally of the LGBTQ community. At the 2011 Pride Awards Gala last June we introduced an opportunity for some very lucky attendees to represent themselves or their organization at the 2012 Pride Parade as the Gala Grand Marshal. The Imperial Court stepped up the challenge with a $2000.00 contribution to the Pride Scholarship Fund. We are proud to recognize the Imperial Court of Arizona as our 2012 Pride Gala Grand Marshal. Representing the Imperial Court will be their 2011 Emperor and Empress. We hope that you will join us at the parade this year to help celebrate the accomplishments of these amazing individuals.
Phoenix Pride Festival hosts over 250 exhibitors, providing an incredible array of shopping and informational experiences for attendees. Returning special attractions include the interactive ARTS Expo located under a 100 x 100 tent combined with the Bistro Stage, Lakeside Wedding Chapel where we will host mass-commitment ceremonies throughout the weekend, the wildly popular Erotic World located just south of Pride Metro Entertainment Stage, and delicious international fare in our North and South Food Courts.
After last year’s festival we conducted a survey from our patrons. From that survey we were able to find out what you like and what we might need to do a bit better. You Spoke and We Listened! Most importantly, you will see MORE SHADE throughout the festival. We have added a VIP Area for VIP ticket holders that will include a weekend packed full of amazing events to be announced in the coming weeks. We’ve added 2 entrances, one for patrons who purchase their tickets Online and a separate Entrance on the same side of the park for patrons purchasing their tickets at the gate. For the first time Phoenix Pride will accept credit cards for admissions purchases and for beverage tickets. ATM’s will still be available throughout the park for your convenience. Headliners to be announced in February. Visit the Phoenix Pride website for entertainment updates.. Online Festival Tickets are on sale now at www.pride-tickets.org. Don’t forget to purchase your $30.00 weekend pass, only available online offering you a savings of $10.00 for the weekend.
