Fredericksburg Pride, a non-profit organization dedicated to forming a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ people, held its second annual pride march and festival in downtown Fredericksburg.
The festival in Old Mill Park on the banks of the Rappahannock River attracted hundreds of people. At the event, several local vendors, businesses, and organizations came to celebrate alongside its local LGBTQIA+ community, which offered food, prizes, music, entertainment, and other items for sale to festival attendees.
The 2021 festival attracted 53 vendors, and over 100 vendors participated in this year's festival. According to Meegana Henry, Founder and President of Fredericksburg Pride, the event took a whole year to plan. It gained double the number of vendors compared to last year when the festival was held in Maury Playground Park.
"It's been a really great show of support from the community, the business, from the residents, from the volunteers," said Katie Jones, Vice President of Fredericksburg Pride. "We've had such a good outreach to support the event and to support the community. It's been fantastic."
Other affiliated organizations showed up at the festival to participate and support the community. Among those organizations was the Rappahannock Region Transgender Support, a group dedicated to helping people who fall under the transgender umbrella. The group also ran a clothing swap booth at the festival, which offered clothing for transgender people in their sizes.
"For a lot of people, this is their first pride festival, and the fun part is watching them because these are people that are closeted, they haven't come out, or they're just starting to come out to their friends, and they're family, said Dani Butler, the group's founder. "And that's hard because not everybody understands, not everybody accepts, and they come down here, and everybody here is affirming and accepting. We know it's hard. We've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt."
Another organization present at the festival was Free Mom Hugs, a national non-profit organization dedicated to offering support to LGBTQIA+ youth who are revealing they are gay.
"We wish that our organization didn't need to exist, but we see the need out here. We've given out a lot of hugs, and it's clear that support is needed," said Kelly MacCleary, a member of the organization's local chapter. "So we'll be around until support isn't needed."
Another organization present at the event was the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault which provided support, treatment, and advocacy to persons affected by sexual assault.
"We find it very important to represent our community, be out, provide support for everyone, and sexual violence is, unfortunately, one of those things that do not discriminate, said Meghan Cole, the group's community service specialist. LGBTQ individuals do face sexual violence at a disproportionate rate, and we want to provide some resources to them."
Fredericksburg Pride President Meegana Henry told Potomac Local News that changes are planned for next year's festival to accommodate more people, vendors, and other potential ideas.
Recent Stories
Hidden in plain sight, the Barnes House Historic Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Prince William County. Nestled in a serene setting, this charming 19th-century home stands as a testament to the area’s cultural heritage.
Originally built in the mid-1800s, the Barnes House offers a rare look at the past through its preserved architecture and surrounding grounds. It was once home to the Barnes family, who played a significant role in the local community. Today, the site provides visitors with an educational experience about life in Prince William County during the 1800s, showcasing its unique history and connection to the area’s early settlers.
Virginia’s Democratic delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives is urging President Donald Trump to either revise or revoke his executive order implementing a hiring freeze for the federal workforce, specifically citing medical care for veterans, reports the Center Square.
Reps. Jennifer McClellan, Bobby Scott, Don Beyer, Gerry Connolly, Suhas Subramanyam and Eugene Vindman say Trump’s executive action specifically adversely affects the veterans’ community.
Once thought to be on its way out, Dominion Energy’s Possum Point Power Station near Dumfries is now expanding operations to meet rising data center power demands, Insidenova.com reports.
Local leaders are working to advance legislative priorities critical to Stafford County during the current Virginia General Assembly session. These initiatives aim to secure funding for education, address fiscal challenges stemming from tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and allow localities to raise funds for school construction through a voter referendum. However, a recent legislative setback underscores the challenges faced in Richmond. Senator Jeremy McPike’s SB 1312, which sought supplemental payments for localities heavily impacted by real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, has died in committee. On January 23, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 7-6 to pass the bill indefinitely, effectively halting its progress this session.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
