Harrisonburg, Va– The 10th-annual Shenandoah Valley Pride was celebrated this Saturday, Sept. 21, in downtown Harrisonburg. The festival brought together and highlighted Harrisonburg’s diverse community.
This year’s Pride event had the largest turnout in its history. Attendees of the event included students from James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University and our own Bridgewater College. Additionally, families, older individuals and pets attended the event.
For many, this was their first Pride event. “I’ve never been to a Pride event, and I wanted to check it out and show my support,” said Jordie Roberts ‘25. Another student that wishes to stay anonymous stated that they were “interested in seeing what energy Pride had.”
Attendees enjoyed the vendors at the event. Over 30 vendors participated, ranging from community organizations like Friendly City Safe Space and the Rockingham County Democratic Committee to small boutiques like Amanda’s Designsss and Queer Threads.
Performers played an integral role in the event. The headliner, Coco Montrese, is best-known for her role in “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She performed alongside Mr. & Mrs. Shenandoah Valley Pride Dezi Bennett & Teddi Baerbach, Miss Gay Harrisonburg Michelle Livigne and Gay United States Icon Jessica Raye.
The event was hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Pride Alliance, or SVPA, a nonprofit organization that works to promote the “understanding of the LGBTQ community through outreach and education.”
The maximum number of sponsors was reached this year, with over 22. These sponsors, including Sentara Health, T-Mobile, Sheetz and more, provided the support needed for such a successful event.
Russell Love, President and Executive Director of SVPA, has been a part of the organization for over ten years. “Shenandoah Valley Pride has had many iterations. Back in 2013 was the first time [there was a Pride event] downtown… They brought me on in 2014 with the second event and I’ve been here ever since,” stated Love.
Love’s main responsibilities as President include creating and maintaining a timeline for SVPA’s Pride events. Throughout the year, he works to “keep the focus” and ensure that the organization reaches each of their goals.
Other SVPA board members and volunteers of the organization played a significant role in the continued success of the event. Several volunteers help with the planning and execution of Pride each year. Board members join the organization as volunteers and give feedback on the events, which allows SVPA to improve and grow.
With this milestone for Shenandoah Valley Pride, the organization has plans to continue to expand each year. “Just come out and support,” Love stated. “Every September!”
