By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
Friday launches a weekend of “safe, inclusive fun” around the Commons, as Yachats Pride offers its sixth celebration of equality and diversity.
“Under the Big Top” is the festival theme, bringing events like Drag Bingo, a dance party, live music, games, a Puppy Parade, and a “dunk tank” featuring local luminaries.
“Pride is about celebrating community and the folks who came before us, who had the courage to stand up for equality,” said Emily Crabtree, a board member of nonprofit Yachats Pride. The group was formed in 2017 to celebrate diversity among the community’s lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, inter-sex and asexual community.
“The festival is all about safe, inclusive fun,” Crabtree said, predicting bigger crowds than the more than 200 who turned out last year. After paying performers, all profits help fund future Pride events.
Friday features Drag Bingo and “fair foods,” followed by a dance party with DJs.
A panel discussion on “Queer Through the Ages” kicks off Saturday’s events, followed by games, then “Dinner and a Show,” featuring local circus performer Dixie DeLish, the Sweet Adelaides singing group, and drag performers. While the festival is for all ages, parental discretion is advised after 8 p.m. for Saturday night’s finale “Prom Redo”.
Dunking city leaders?
Sunday’s events include a 20-vendor market, a barbecue hosted by Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, a fundraiser dunk tank, and a puppy parade for anyone who wants to show off their dogs.
The dunk tank may prove especially popular, with its who’s-who lineup of local figures including Yachats Mayor Craig Berdie; Bob Barrett, pastor of Yachats Community Presbyterian Church; councilor Anthony Muirhead; city planner Katherine Guenther; city manager Bobbi Price, and Yachats firefighter Shelby Knife.
“We might auction off the first throw,” said Crabtree, expecting big demand for the chance to dunk the participants.
All Yachats Pride events are slated to take place around the Commons, Pavilion and greenspace field in downtown Yachats. Beer and wine will be available in designated areas throughout the weekend.
The circus theme isn’t about just decorations and costumes — a real circus tent will be provided by Crew That, an entertainment business whose owner lives in Yachats. The 30-by-50-foot tent was driven to town from the East Coast.
For more information, visit the non-profit’s website or email Info@YachatsPride.org.
FRIDAY
- 5-8 p.m.: Drag Bingo and fair foods
- 8 p.m.: Boogie Down Dance Party with DJs
SATURDAY
- Noon to 2 p.m.: “Queer Through the Ages” panel discussion
- 3-5 p.m.: Circus-type games under the Big Top
- 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner and a show with local talent. Suggested donation $5-10 to help pay festival performers
- 7 p.m. Prom Redo with a circus theme (costumes encouraged)
SUNDAY
- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendor market with vendors under the tent selling handcrafts, bakery and leather goods
- Noon: Free barbecue hosted by Yachats Community Presbyterian Church
- 12:30 p.m.: Fundraiser dunk tank
- 1:30 p.m.: Puppy Parade
