Redding Pride celebrated its seventh year Saturday. Festivities were held at City Hall and Sculpture Park. A Pride march made its way from City Hall down Cypress Avenue and across the Cypress Avenue Bridge.
It was estimated that 300 people took part in the march itself, and many more attended the festival as the day progressed. On the way back from Hartnell Avenue and Cypress Avenue, half the marchers crossed Cypress and came back up the north side of the bridge. The other half marched back along the south side.
It must’ve been a sight for the motorists to see as hundreds of colorful marchers flooded both sides of the bridge. All were fortunate to have a beautiful day outside for the event.
The sky was a gorgeous blue with no smoke in sight. Colors of the LGBTQ+ celebration stood out boldly and proud. Excellent entertainment was provided by several acts. Fun and outrageous drag was performed by the Formation Dance Company who perform Night of the Living Drag.
The band Premonition rocked out. There was a fire routine by Whimsical Freakshow. Adam Ferris sang (what an incredible voice). Becky and Hillary sang beautifully, and singer songwriter Delaney Rene sang her own inspirational music. What an angelic voice Delaney has. She was accompanied by her dance team Flow Arts.
Also throughout the Pride Festival were several organizations to help the LGBTQ+ community with a variety of issues. There was the Rainbow Family Project with the HIV Food Bank. On hand was also Shasta Suicide Prevention. NEED HELP? Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition to help provided by Suicide Prevention, it’s very important to know there’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). It’s a comfort to know you are not alone if you feel you’re suffering from persecution and need to come out so you can be the person you know you ARE. Talk with someone who understands and help is there for you. Get the help needed at www.namishastacounty.org. There are far too many who need help and don’t know NAMI is out there for you. If you’re an expecting mother there’s RIDIC – Holistic Childbirth through the Redding Doula Collective. They validate all variations of family in the LGBTQ+ community. They provide a safe place with sensitive care. You can find them at reddingdoulacollective.com.
The 7th Pride Festival was quite successful, nonjudgmental, and filled with loads of fun. Everyone felt they had a safe place to gather and enjoyed expressing nothing but peace and love.
