First-ever Pride Youngstown event

from Mahoning Valley Pride

Pride Youngstown is holding the area's first ever Gay Pride event on June 6th, 2009, in downtown Youngstown. Phelps Street, between W Commerce and Federal Plaza will be blocked off for the festival. The event will run from noon until 8 PM and will includ live entertainment, food, fun, and activities for all ages. There will also be informative presentations that celebrate the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) community.

Much like LGBT Pride events held in cities throughout the United States, Pride Youngstown is designed to promote awareness about the LGBT community and to provide businesses, organizations, and residents the opportunity to develop positive community relationships. The event is family inclusive, free, and open to the general public.

This first year event in Youngstown, OH has been made possible with the financial support of persons throughout the Mahoning Valley and by fundraisers held by the Pride Youngstown staff at neighborhood establishments.

Opening ceremonies begin at noon and will be followed by a full day of entertainment provided by local artists. There will be food and merchandise vendors for all tastes.

A kick off party will be held the night before (location tba) and the evening will end with a candle lit vigil and an after party (location tba).

Volunteers are needed to help out will all events throughout the day.

Contact Pride Youngstown at [email protected] if you'd like to help. For more information about Pride Youngstown visit www.prideyoungstown.com

About the Author

Deb Spilko Deb created most of the written content of the EGN during all but its last year in print form and for much of that time was the main editor as well. She was also responsible for writing the grant application that essentially helped bring the EGN into existence. She has continued to write informational articles and compilations of entertainment and resource listings for the web site and has returned as writer and co-editor of the current print edition.

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