DOUGLAS, Michigan — Douglas got a head start on celebrations for Pride Month, beginning their annual Pride Festival in the last days of May.
Since its inception in 2019, the festival has spanned several days every June, with the exception of 2020, and continues to grow each time.
Liz Engel, chair of Community Pride, MI, said the festivities began on Thursday with a discussion of issues currently affecting the LGBTQ+ community at The Kirby Hotel.
The update was followed by some pride bowling at Alley's Pizza at Lakeview Lanes.
On Friday, while preparations were underway to set up the festival, there was a lecture at the Saugatuck-Douglas Library about how the history of LGBTQ+ teachers informs current school battles.
On the same day, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a Jazz For Justice concert at the All Saints' Episcopal Church. The Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra will be performing on the lawn and there will be a street party with food and a cash bar.
On Saturday, June 1 The Pride Care-A-Van Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and travel from Saugatuck to Douglas. The route begins at Saugatuck High School and will finish in Downtown Douglas.
Pride in the Park is taking place from 11:30 to 6 p.m. at Beery Field in Douglas, with performances by the West Michigan Gay Men's Chorus, Random Play Band, Michigan Drag Brunch Queens, NIAH Band and others.
There will also be food options, beverages, vendors from across West Michigan, classic cars and more.
The pride celebrations will conclude on Sunday, June 2 with a Tea Dance at the Dunes Resort at 4 p.m. The event is meant to be a place where the community can come together to celebrate love, unity and diversity. You must be 21 or older to attend this event.
"We're offering an opportunity for all people to feel welcome and safe ... and so all are welcome here and the rain falls the same on everyone," Engel said.
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