"Out in the Park" - Hampton Roads' Pride Event Is Tomorrow

I'll be candid that I am sweating bullets that the weather cooperates tomorrow for Out in the Park in Norfolk's Town Point Park on the Norfolk waterfront.  Countless hours have gone into planning and implementing the event which we at Hampton Rads Pride hope will be the largest and most successful pride event in Hampton Roads history. I hope local readers, both gay and straight, will attend.  We on the HR Pride board of directors are thrilled that Sirius Radio's Frank Decaro will be joining our own Kathy Lewis to MC the event.  Headliner entertainer Kristine W is pictured above.  The Daily Press has a good piece that gives an overview of what to expect. Here are some highlights:

Organizers of Out in the Park are optimistic that Saturday's event will draw a record crowd to Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk.  "Last year, we brought the festival to the region's premiere park, and the city estimated we had 17,000 people," says Michael Beane, co-chair of the Hampton Roads Pride Out in the Park committee. "We're hoping to get 20,000 this year."

This is actually the 24th year of Out in the Park, an annual event that celebrates the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, their families and supporters. The festival also raises funds for educational scholarships, and this year's recipient or recipients will be announced on Saturday.
 
Buoyed by last year's turnout, Beame and his committee have planned an even larger festival this weekend. Kristine W and Matt Zarley, two nationally known singers on the dance club circuit, will perform, and more than 90 vendors will be selling food, art and products as well as handing out information on issues that impact the gay and lesbian community. And what might be the nation's only gay boat parade, with commentary by comedian Frank Decaro and Cathy Lewis, host of the "Hear/Say" public affairs program on WHRV-FM (89.5), will cruise by on the Elizabeth River.

There also has been a week of events leading up to the festival, including a "Take Me OUT to the Ballpark" outing last Wednesday at Norfolk's Harbor Park and an evening block party on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Palace Station Shops on Norfolk's 22nd Street.

Here's the schedule of events:
Friday, Aug. 17
Noon — Flag-raising with performer Julie Clark. Town Point Park (40 rainbow flags will be raised along the waterfront).
6 to 10 p.m. — Pride Block Party. Palace Station Shops, 22nd Street, Norfolk.

Saturday, Aug. 18
11:30 a.m. — DJ Bulldog
12:30 p.m. — Welcome by Frank Decaro
1 p.m. — Pride Boat Parade
1:30 p.m. — Lyric Opera Virginia
2 p.m. — Queen Emeritus, Diana Ross Performance & Awards
2:20 p.m. — "Ladies of Pride" show
2:40 p.m. — Mermaids in the Basement, female rock band.
3:20 p.m. — The L Project Anti-Bullying Message

3:30 p.m. — Ffelt, female rock band
4:20 p.m. — "Ladies of Pride" show
5 p.m. — Matt Zarley
5:50 p.m. — Kristine W