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COLUMBIA — With attendance estimates ranging anywhere from 4,000-6,000, South Carolina’s annual Pride festival in downtown Columbia went off without a hitch, Saturday, Sept. 20.
As thousands of revelers gathered in the city’s Finlay Park, sparse opposition from protesters failed to create controversy or put a damper on a day filled with color, sunshine and fun.
Drag superstar RuPaul headlined the event. Other performers included singer-songwriter Richard Cortez, who will make an appearance for Pride Charlotte at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center in November. Singing duo Change Due and comedienne Jinx Kelly also appeared. The stage was emceed by longtime activists Bruce Converse and Tony Snell.
Pride organizers hailed the event as their largest ever. Over 85 vendors attended the festival. The City of Columbia sponsored the event. Other sponsors included radio station WXRY 99.3 FM, Club Fusion, ID Lubricants, Embassy Suites, P.T.’s Cabaret, The Free Times, Q-Notes, and the Nickelodeon Theatre.
The night before the festival, SC Pride awarded more than 20 individuals and organizations for their advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community. Those honored included Community Partner of the Year, the City of Columbia; Harriett Hancock Volunteers of the Year, Bruce Converse and the Rev. Candace Chellew-Hidge; Ryan Wilson Equality Award honoree David Collier; Unsung Hero honoree Jennifer Tague and Straight But Not Narrow awardee Tommy Gordon, a high school student. Q-Notes‘ Editor Matt Comer and Columbia writer Gareth Fenley received the organization’s Ed Madden Media Advocacy Award.
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related stories:► SC Pride allowed to hang rainbow banners in downtown Columbia, August 30th, 2010
► South Carolina: Spartanburg mayor to win SC Pride award, August 21st, 2010
► Columbia: SC Pride date change, May 15th, 2010
► Stay in Columbia for SC Pride, August 23rd, 2009
► Thousands celebrate Pride in Uptown Charlotte, August 8th, 2009
► Thanks to Upstate Pride, June 22nd, 2009
► Triad Pride attracts 1,000, June 13th, 2009
► SC Pride revs up for 2009 after biggest fest ever, October 4th, 2008
This was my first Pride and I had a GREAT time, can’t wait for next year!!! RuPaul rocked the house!!!
Comment by Kameelah Vose — September 24, 2008 @ 8:17 am
We had such a great time at the fest. Met lots of people and contacts and shared some love. I hope everybody else had a much fun as we did. Look forward till next year!
Comment by WINK Greeting Cards — September 24, 2008 @ 9:41 pm