Go Green! Vermont Announces Pride Dates

The PRIDE Vermont Committee announced its plans today for the state's annual Pride Vermont celebration, scheduled for Sept. 7-14, 2014 in Burlington, Vt. This year's theme is "Generations of PRIDE," which explores the history of PRIDE through the decades and also the diversity in ages of Vermont's LGBT community.

The week-long celebration, Northern New England's premier PRIDE, kicks off with a high heel race and will culminate with a parade on Church Street followed by the festival at Battery Park.

On Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2:00 p.m., the Annual High Heel Race on Church Street will provide a colorful and competitive start to the festivities. The event is open to all who are brave enough to don high heels. Dressing in drag is highly encouraged, but not required. Extra shoes will be available to accommodate spectators wanting to sign up on site.

Beginning on Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14, diners and shoppers will enjoy discounted prices during Out On Church Street. Special medallions on bead necklaces will be available for $10 each, and will provide special discounts at participating shops, restaurants and department stores at the popular Church Street Marketplace.

Festivities on Saturday, Sept. 13 continue with the annual Women's Tea Dance in downtown Burlington in the afternoon, followed by the Hot Pink Dance Party at 8:30 p.m. at the Higher Ground in South Burlington. This 18+ multimedia event features two of Vermont's best DJs playing the hottest club music.

The PRIDE Vermont Parade will start at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, beginning at the bottom of Church Street and winding all the way to the Festival site at Battery Park. With students, families, and early foliage tourists in town, another record-breaking turnout is expected to view the colorful parade of floats, performers, and marchers of all kinds. The festival itself will take place 1:00-5:00 p.m. and will include music and entertainment in the Battery Park bandshell, vendors, family, youth and activity tents, and community resources.

Produced by the Vermont Gay Tourism Association (VGTA), the Northern Decadence Food & Travel Expo will take place during the PRIDE Vermont festival at Battery Park on Sunday, Sept. 14, 12:00-5:00 p.m. "This is a festival within a festival," said Willie Docto, President of the VGTA. Northern Decadence will showcase LGBT-friendly businesses from across Vermont and include food and wine samples, a silent auction, and the popular Decadent Cupcake Competition. "Vermont's is the tastiest PRIDE festival in the country," Docto added. Tickets are $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.northerndecadence.com.

Other highlights of the family-friendly PRIDE Vermont festival include:

Gender Fun Lawn Games and Activity Tent: Play lawn "gaymes," make craft projects, and get information on gender diversity, rights, and resources.

Live Entertainment hosted by drag artist Major Face featuring local and regional performers.

Dancing on the Lawn with music by local DJs.

Randy Violette, Chair of the PRIDE Vermont Committee said, "With our Generations of PRIDE theme, we celebrate the coming of age of the LGBT community in Vermont and the equality we've achieved in the most beautiful state in the country. I invite everyone to celebrate with us."

Individuals, groups, and businesses are invited to participate in any of the PRIDE Vermont events. For more information on being a vendor, sponsor, or parade participant email [email protected] or go to www.pridevermont.com.