Listen to this articleOrganizing for the 2014 Utah Pride Festival is in full swing. Choosing the theme of “Love Equals Love,” the event will take place once again at Washington Square and Library Square.
Schedule
The event will be kicked off on Thursday June 5 with an interfaith service at Wasatch Presbyterian Church.
On Friday, June 6, the Grand Marshal Reception will be held in the VIP section on the festival grounds. Nominations are currently being taken for the Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award and the Pete Suazo Political Action Award. Deadline for those nominations is March 7.
The festival continues on Saturday, June 7 with the Pride 5K run and Dyke and Trans* marches. The festival gates open at 3 p.m. beginning with special “family hours” from 3 to 6 p.m. with young age-appropriate entertainment of the stages. The festival gates will close at 11 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, June 8, the annual Utah Pride Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. along the same route as last year and festival gates open once again at 11 a.m., closing at 7 p.m.
Participate
Corporate and individual sponsors are being sought to pay for the event and applications are available through March 28 on the UtahPrideFestival.org web site or by emailing sponsor@utahpridecenter.org.
Those wanting a booth at the festival can also apply through the web site. Early bird registration, saving up to $100, ends on March 30. Standard registration goes through April 15 and late registration is available through May 1.
Organizations that would like to apply for a scholarship or inclusion in the Grass Roots Zone must apply by April 15.
This year, local/small businesses are being invited to participate in the festival and may apply for a discounted rate. These businesses must be locally owned, have less than 15 employees, cannot be a franchise of any national chain and cannot be a food vendor. Membership in the Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce may help a business’ application.
Local artists may participate in the Art Zone. Entries are juried and share a 40-square-foot canopy. Deadline to apply is April 20.
More information about vendor booths can be found by emailing jimmy@utahpridecenter.org
Entertainers
Individuals and groups are being sought for the several stages in the festival. Those interested in being considered should apply online by March 15.
Parade
Those interested in being part of the parade may also apply online with early bird rates going through March 30, standard through April 15 and late registration through May 1.
More information is available at utahpridefestival.org
1st!
So excited when this event comes around cannot wait!