Guess who's back: Ames Pridefest returns for the first time in four years
A four-year wait has allowed anticipation to build.
The coronavirus pandemic didn’t take away the Pride, but it did manage to stop the Fest. Ames Pridefest returns for the first time since 2019, rolling out its popular street festival Saturday, Sept. 30.
Ames Pridefest events kick off at 10 a.m. with workshops at Ames Public Library. The outdoor vendor fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fifth Street and Douglas Avenue.
Last year, Ames Pride teamed up with the now-closed Big Wigs gay bar over Labor Day weekend to host 1980s pop star Tiffany.
Who will perform at Ames Pridefest?
Stage performances will start at noon and run through 6 p.m. when the after-party moves to several downtown Ames businesses.
More than 20 live performances will grace the stage, highlighted by drag, dance, vocal music and spoken word acts.
According to Ames Pride’s Facebook page, drag artists will include Nolaré Diamond, Hazel Sanchez-Belle, Miles Long Frost, JV Monroe, Ivy Michelle LaVoix, Romeo DeMornay Sanchz, Ava Tremaine Cass, Matte Black, Terra Byte, Evian Waters, Skyla Fierce, Komplete Moon, Marsha-Mellow, Atlas Midos Diamond, Ray Starstrut Dacious, Dickey Wrecked Lyon, Xander Lyon Frost and Babygirl.
Other performers include the Mirage Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, Roygbiv Poetry, Paige Clouse and Smokey Smothers.
After 6 p.m., look for events to be held at the following downtown businesses and organizations: Back Alley House Plants, Life Distilled, London Underground, Morning Bell Coffee Roasters and Sweet Caroline's Kitchen & Cocktails.
The Ames Public Library is poised to offer various educational events throughout the day. Community members can attend panels and story time to help move LBGTQ+ activism forward. A drag show is planned for an 8 p.m. start at Sweet Caroline's.
Ames Public Library is ready to host several Pride events
The Ames Public Library will hold an hour-long educational panel for caregivers of trans kids at 10 a.m. in the PEO Room. A trans adult and a counselor who works with trans youth will be the featured speaker. Parents, other family members and allies are invited to learn how to support trans youth. The panelists will share some of their personal family experiences, including missteps, successes and challenges.
Also, at 10 a.m. in the Danfoss Room, the program "Iowa Safe Schools: Youth Activism 101" will be held. The workshop is intended for youth who want to make a difference in their communities. The interactive program will offer insight into creating a solid foundation in leadership skills and community-building strategies.
Family Storytime will highlight Pride at 10:30 a.m. in the Storytime Room. Families are invited to this special storytime celebrating pride and self-expression.
At 11 a.m. in the Rotary Room, the program "LGBTQIA+ Legislative Update" will be held. Erica Dubin-Barz, community engagement associate for ACLU Iowa, and Keenan Crow, director of policy and advocacy at One Iowa, will summarize Iowa’s recent legislation affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. They will also talk about what to expect next year. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
A Teen Afterparty will be held in the library's auditorium from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Teens in grades six through 12 are invited to hang out and watch the movie "Strange World." Ames Pride will provide snacks.
What's going on at Back Alley House Plants for post Ames Pridefest?
Starting at 6 p.m., Back Alley House Plants, located on the northwest corner of Clark Avenue and Main Street, will have a mini terrarium bar. The Funny Onion Food Truck's burgers will also have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Complimentary water and sodas will be available, local art vendors will be on-site, and queeraoke will be held in partnership with Lott Music Studio. This event is hosted in collaboration with The Painted Egg.
All ages are welcome.
What's going on at Life Distilled for post-Ames Pridefest?
It’s opening night for Rose Apothecary from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Life Distilled, 301 Main St. An open mic night will be inspired by the show “Schitt’s Creek.” Artisan cheese and drinks will be served.
London Underground set to host Pridefest happy hour
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., London Underground, located at 212 Main St., will hold a Queers and Beers happy hour featuring post-Pride drinks.
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters hosts game night
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters, located at 111 Main St., will offer board games and other fun activities from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ll have coffee, baked goods, cocktails and mocktails.
Sweet Caroline's Ames Pridefest drag show
Sweet Caroline’s will be hosting a Pridefest After Party and Show in its banquet hall, with doors opening at 7 p.m. with a drag show starting at 8 p.m.
Coco will host the drag show featuring performances by Dominique Cass, Anjila Cavalier, Peaches Diamond, Javon'Tay Amir and Vanessa Taylor.
The event is held in conjunction with Ames Drag Shows.
Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Pridefest returns to downtown Ames with several community events
