As the rainbow flags are carefully folded and the glitter settles, we look back on a Pride month filled with vibrant celebrations, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments. This June, our community came together in a spectacular display of love, acceptance, and visibility, with a series of events that truly embodied the spirit of Pride.
A Month of Festivities
Our Pride month kicked off with a bang at the Neon Nights Pride Kickoff on June 1st. Curitiba Art Cafe was transformed into a pulsating dance club, with its back patio becoming the unexpected heart of the party. The glow party, complete with a DJ, drinks, and dancing, was a brand new experience for many attendees. “People were truly surprised to find an event like this in town and made sure we knew how much they wanted to see it continue,” noted organizer Amanda Strawn, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive feedback received.
The celebrations continued with the Mrs. Roper Romp on June 7th, a collaboration with the Downtown Dolls as part of First Friday Sip & Stroll in Downtown Fredericksburg. Attendees embraced the 70s theme, dressing up as the iconic Mrs. Roper from “Three’s Company” and bringing a touch of retro flair to the streets, raising money for Pride Center FXBG.
One of the highlights of the month was undoubtedly the Back to the 90’s Pride Prom in collaboration with Fredericksburg Pride on June 14th. Hosted at the Downtown Library, this nostalgia-fueled evening of dancing and community bonding proved once again why it’s become such a beloved event since its debut last year.
For those who prefer a bit of friendly competition with their Pride celebrations, Pride Trivia at Red Dragon Brewery on June 18th was the perfect event. This collaboration with Red Dragon Brewery and Trivia Trey brought together trivia buffs and Pride enthusiasts for an evening of fun, learning, and fundraising.
Rounding out the month was the Pride Night Friday Fireworks Game with the Fredericksburg Nationals on June 21st. This event was particularly significant, offering visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ community on a hugely recognized local platform. Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that Pride Night will be “even bigger and better next season.”
Community Impact and Support
These events were more than just celebrations; they were beacons of visibility and acceptance in our little town. We saw a mix of new and returning faces at all events, and importantly, we managed to connect new individuals to vital FAHASS resources.
All proceeds raised through Pride month events went to support Pride Center FXBG, a division of FAHASS. The Pride Center is entirely community supported, making these fundraising efforts crucial to its continued operation and growth.
The success of this year’s events has us SO excited for the future as we hope to repeat all of these events again next Pride month.
As we reflect on this wonderful month of Pride, we’re filled with gratitude for our community and excitement for what’s to come. Here’s to many more years of celebrating love, diversity, and pride in Fredericksburg!
