Tennessee Valley Pride, advocating for the area's LGBT community, will cap off a series of Chattanooga Pride Week events with a Pride Festival from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday at Ross's Landing, 100 Riverfront Parkway. The free celebration will include food, entertainment, vendors and a Kids Zone.
"We encourage everyone to join us and be a part of City Wide Pride," says Marcus Ellsworth, president of Tennessee Valley Pride. "This year's newly elected TVP board have worked diligently to set the precedence that Pride is an all-inclusive community event. We are opening the door for everyone to join us and celebrate by showing support for the area's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community."
Pride Week began Sept. 30 with an interfaith service by affirming churches of several denominations at St. Elmo United Methodist Church.
The City Wide Pride Festival kickoff will begin today, with local businesses flying rainbow flags in support. Some may also provide ways for patrons to make donations to Tennessee Valley Pride.
"This is a way our entire city can get involved and celebrate the diversity of our beautiful community in a positive and affirming way," says TVP Vice President Kat Cooper.
On Saturday, the Nooga Glo Run for Equality begins at dusk by the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. Proceeds will benefit local LGBT nonprofits such as Chattanooga's PFLAG Chapter (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), Tennessee Valley Pride and the new Nooga Diversity Center. All participants will be provided a Glo for Equality packet that includes a T-shirt, Glo items, token to the DJ Glo party and free admission to the after-party at the Big Chill and Grill, 103 Cherokee Blvd.
For more information, visit tennesseevalleypride.com.