LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay’s annual Pride Picnic is back, and better than ever! The nonprofit invites the community to Riverside Park on Saturday, June 1st from noon-4pm for the festival-like, family-friendly, picnic.
The organization is gearing up for biggest event to date, which means it won’t merely be a potluck with some games. Thanks to generous sponsors, Findlay’s 2019 Pride Picnic will be fully catered with complementary food. Social Findlay spoke with LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay’s Board Secretary, Dr. Jasmin Bradley, to learn more.
Findlay’s first pride picnic was in the early 2000s. LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay was formed in 2010 to assist with the event specifically, but has been growing since then as additional fundraisers were organized. Between 2017 & 2018, picnic participation doubled to 300. In the last couple of years, community and corporate support has given them the resources to develop their mission.
“The sky’s the limit now!” Bradley exclaimed. “This growth wouldn’t be possible without all the people who have provided input and assistance to this point. Lots of sweat equity has built this organization.” Spectrum sends a huge thank you to corporate sponsors, and downtown Findlay. Marathon is in its 3rd year of sponsorship and involvement with the picnic.
The band shell will feature entertainment throughout the afternoon. Vendors will sell their wares in a “Rainbow Market,” and a resource fair will have plenty of information available. A youth area will be provided in partnership with Focus and the FHS gay-straight alliance, plus a kid’s craft area headed by the Sunshine Institute. Kids can expect bounce houses, face-painting, games, and more! Additional parking will be available across the street from the park. It is recommended that attendees bring their own lawn chairs.
If you would like a head start on the day’s celebrations, Yoga in the Park will begin at 9am. An after party, and brunch the next morning, will keep the festivities going throughout the weekend. Many other activities will be taking place in celebration of Pride Month, before and after the picnic. You can find all the information regarding these events here.
Tuesday, May 28th: LGBTQ+ Book Club Launch
Thursday, May 30th: Monthly Mixer/Pride Kickoff
Saturday, June 1st: Yoga in the Park
Saturday, June 1st: Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 1st: After Party
Sunday, June 2nd: Pride Brunch
Some new events to 2019 include Monthly Mixers: socializing and networking at a different bar each month. May 26th will see the launch of a book club. The board is open to ideas and for future social events, and is always happy to welcome volunteers to organize and lead activities.
Spectrum’s upcoming events can also be found on Social Findlay’s calendar, under the LGBT+ event category. Here is a direct link to the category.
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