SPECIAL EVENT | Pride Weekend

By ALEX HERRMANN

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From Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley will host Rochester Pride Weekend, celebrating the Rochester gay community.

The weekend will begin on Friday, July 18, with a Pride Rainbow Ride. Beginning at 5:15 p.m., cyclists will don Pride colors and ride through the Neighborhood of the Arts and the Park Avenue, South Wedge, and Corn Hill areas. Their journey will end at Manhattan Square Park (353 Court Street) where a Pride Flag Ceremony will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. During the ceremony, a ceremonial rainbow flag will be displayed on the space frame within the park. Later, the park's lodge will host Colorful Stereotypes, Letras Latinas: Evolving Nuestra Familia, a platform for Latino LGBTQ voices to share their stories. From 7 to 9 p.m., a Youth Pride Dance will take place at 140 Alex (140 Alexander Street).

On Saturday, Manhattan Square Park will transform into the home of the Rochester Pride Festival. The celebration will begin at noon, with Family Fest hours running until 3:30 p.m. featuring face painting, games, magic, crafts, live entertainment, and food. At 3:30 p.m., the celebration will turn up the heat with live bands, dancing, drag shows, and a beer garden. The latter half of the festival is gated, with tickets selling for $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Saturday will also feature the 25th Annual Pride Parade. Attendees can line up at 2 p.m., with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. on Park Avenue. The parade ends at Manhattan Square Park. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best floats and walking units.

The weekend will culminate with a Pride Picnic Fundraiser in Genesee Valley Park (1000 East River Road). The picnic will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. Picnic events include dancing, a children's area with a bounce house and other kid-friendly activities, a site decoration contest, and ice cream. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, with food tickets for $5.

A special Ruby Pass is available for $50, granting attendees access to both the Festival and the Picnic Fundraiser, as well as other VIP events. For more information, full list of additional events, and tickets, visit rochesterpride.com.