March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

2nd Annual Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival set for June 27th

Last June, the first-ever Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival in Maryland’s state capital drew thousands of people to the downtown business district. It was a family-friendly event that attracted positive recognition from national and local news media, and won the Washington Blade’s “Best Regional Pride” award in 2019.

Annapolis Pride is excited to build on last year’s overwhelming inaugural success when it holds the second annual event on Saturday, June 27, 2020.  Today is exactly five months until the parade and festival take place, and registration is now open.  The parade will again begin at noon on June 27th on Amos Garrett Boulevard/West Street and end at Calvert Street and West Street. The festival will run from noon to 5 p.m. on West Street between Church Circle and Calvert Street, as well as in Whitmore Park.

In announcing the 2020 details, Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival Committee chair, Leslie Anderson, said that while the group was “overwhelmed” with the incredible support and turnout for last year’s inaugural parade and festival, they are confident this year’s event will be even better.

“Our goal is to build upon the diverse, family-friendly vibe from last year,” Anderson said. “We are hoping to have more parade floats and entries, more music and other entertainment, more vendors, greater attendance, and more of that feeling of community support. We can’t wait!”

The Annapolis Pride website (annapolispride.org) has been updated with information about the June event, including “Four steps to get your group involved in the parade and/or festival,” sponsorship opportunities, volunteer sign-up, and an entertainer interest form.

The refreshed website also includes a list of all 2019 sponsors, a 2019 Pride Guide, photos from last year’s daylong event, and parking suggestions for this year’s parade and festival in nearby downtown garages.

“In 2019, we were honored to have the backing of an incredible number of sponsors who helped us build an inclusive community and celebrate diversity in Annapolis,” Anderson said. “With that and additional support in 2020, Annapolis Pride will be able to continue our year-round efforts to increase visibility and awareness, create safe spaces, and connect the LGBTQ+ community with local resources.”

This year’s musical entertainment and lineup, and parade Grand Marshals, will be announced closer to June.

Founded in May 2018, Annapolis Pride is a grassroots, volunteer organization focused on creating a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

June is recognized worldwide as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Pride Month (LGBTQ+ Pride Month). This June marks the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City, an uprising to resist harassment and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, which was a pivotal point for the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

“It’s a time for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate our successes, build visibility, and reflect on the work that still has to be done to create a supportive community where all people thrive,” explained Annapolis Pride chair and founder, Jeremy Browning

“When I was a kid growing up in Annapolis, I never saw any visibility or anything that made me feel like I belonged or was welcomed,” Browning recalled. “The first rainbow flag I saw in Annapolis was in the summer of 2017 at St. Luke’s Church in Eastport. That was the moment I was inspired to do something. I wanted to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, but I never dreamed we would have a parade and festival with thousands of people just two years later.

“It was overwhelming to see so many local organizations and people who came to support the LGBTQ+ community last June,” Browning added. “When I saw all the people last June, marching in the parade, attending the festival, smiling and laughing, it represented a dream come true for so many. It was a special day in Annapolis, filled with love, family, and community. And we’re so excited to see that again in five more months.”

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