"Berkeley Springs State Park Hosts Fourth Annual Pride Festival, Celebrating 50 Years of LGBTQ Advancements"
Berkeley Springs State Park recently hosted its fourth annual Pride Festival, marking a special celebration for the LGBTQ community and its allies. The event, which took place despite the scorching Saturday heat, attracted hundreds of attendees who came to enjoy music, dancing, and a wide range of activities.
Growing Year by Year
According to Brett Fyoch, one of the event organizers, the festival has been growing steadily each year. This growth not only reflects the increasing support for the LGBTQ community but also enables the organizers to give back to the community in various ways. Among the initiatives mentioned was the awarding of scholarships to local students, supporting youth attendance at LGBTQ leadership camps, and donating funds for community events.
Promoting Inclusivity
In addition to selling pride-themed merchandise and showcasing local artisanal creations, the event aimed to raise awareness about various local organizations. Groups such as the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center were present to educate attendees about their respective missions and services.
Celebrating Progress
Scott Collinash, another event organizer, highlighted the importance of family participation in the Pride Festival. Seeing families with young children attending the event signifies a positive shift towards acceptance and inclusivity.
50 Years of LGBTQ Progress
Fyoch emphasized the significance of celebrating 50 years of LGBTQ advancements, including the right to marriage and other fundamental rights that have been achieved over the years. The festival serves as a reminder of the progress made since the Stonewall Riots in 1969.
Year-Round Support
Berkeley Springs Pride continues its support for the community by hosting events throughout the year to raise funds for scholarships and other community initiatives. For more information on upcoming events and ways to get involved, visit berkeleyspringspride.org or follow their Facebook page.
Overall, the Pride Festival at Berkeley Springs State Park not only celebrates diversity and acceptance but also serves as a platform to recognize the milestones achieved by the LGBTQ community over the past 50 years.