Pride in the Pines: Organizers say June 10 event is Moore County's first pride festival
Pride in the Pines PRIDEFest will bring entertainment, artists and vendors to Southern Pines on June 10 for an event that organizers say is the first of its kind in the town.
The festival, which is organized by Sandhills Pride, is from noon to 5 p.m. at the grounds of the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, 555 E. Connective Ave.
The event comes about five months after a highly-contested Southern Pines drag show was cut short by the attacks on two power substations that left thousands of Moore County residents and businesses without power for days.
'It was a beautiful moment': Moore County drag show goes on despite power outages
Previously: Organizers say death threats won't stop Southern Pines drag show
Sandhills Pride executive director Lauren Mathers said in a news release that the event provides a much-needed gathering for LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
“Our goal remains to always provide more — more advocacy, more support, more activities together, and more safe spaces for all of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies,” said Mathers. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring all of that together in one supportive and loving celebration of Pride in the Pines.”
Festivities at Pride in the Pines
Pop singer Annelle Staal, Southern Pines vocalist Jordan Cranford, the Triangle Pride Band and actors from Sunrise Theater are set to perform at the event.
Let’s Paint the Town Mobile Paint Party will host art activities, face-painting, a sprinkler play area and cornhole for kids.
Resources and information on LGBTQ+ affirming area healthcare providers, health testing, chair massage, yoga, holistic wellness and smoking cessation will be available at the event.
A timeline of noteworthy figures and events in LGBTQ+ history and information about state bills and rulings to regulate LGBTQ+ people will be featured. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite.
Related: What you need to know about NC legislation seeking to regulate LGBTQ+ people
'We're under attack': NC House bill targets drag performances
What does the fundraiser benefit?
As a fundraiser for Sandhills Pride, proceeds will support programs like scholarship awards, PRIDE Youth events, community service projects, support groups, and expanded safety training.
Where to purchase tickets
Advance tickets can be purchased online at weblink.donorperfect.com/PRIDEFest2023 at a cost of $15 a person, or $10 for Weymouth members. Tickets purchased at the door are $20 a person, or $15 for Weymouth members.
Reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Organizers say June 10 event is Moore County's first pride festival
