Ferndale Pride Activities For Immediate Release

The committee of volunteers organizing the upcoming Gay Lesbian Pride activities in Ferndale are extremely pleased to announce that MotorCity Casino Hotel has become the presenting sponsor with naming rights for Ferndale Pride 2011. Their support, along with a host of other business sponsors, community organizations, and individuals will make the annual gay pride celebrations in Ferndale another successful summer festival in this popular southeastern Oakland County community.

“We are so excited to have MotorCity Casino Hotel on board for these festivities,” said Craig Covey, event co-chair and current Oakland County Commissioner. “They are once again demonstrating their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and a strong and vibrant community,” he added.

Other top sponsors of Ferndale Pride include Bud Light, Rosie O’Grady’s, Dino’s, Loving Touch, Soho, Danny’s Irish Pub, Sneakers, Green Thumb Gardening Center, the Candlewhich Shoppe, Ferndale DDA, Between the Lines – PrideSource, MDSL Softball League, and many others.

Events planned for the weekend of Friday June 3 through Sunday June 5 include a “We are Family” parade on Friday June 3 through downtown Ferndale and rally at City Hall, a “Night March – Illuminating Our Diversity” and rally that same night in downtown Ferndale beginning around 9:30 pm, and a series of themed bar and club events, late-night shopping, and patio and alley parties all night long.

The 2nd Annual Dyke March will take place on Saturday June 4 beginning at 2 pm with a parade from downtown Ferndale to Geary Park for a festival and rally featuring LGBTQ entertainment. The Dyke March festivities will continue later at popular nightspot “Rosie O’Grady’s. Also Saturday and Sunday night will be night-time club parties at Soho, Dino’s, Rosie’s and Como’s. The annual Gay Lesbian commitment ceremony is expected to take place at Ferndale City Hall on Saturday June 4 officiated by the new mayor of Ferndale Dave Coulter. Coulter becomes the fourth mayor in a row in Ferndale supporting and performing gay “weddings” ceremonies.

One Voice Chorus, a GLBT and allies chorus will perform at the Parade Rally. AJ’s Café will feature drumming circles the evening of Friday June 3rd. (more)
Downtown businesses will host non-profit organizations from across the region during the evening of Feb 3. Essential Massage, Candlewick Shoppe, Soho, Just for Us, Rosie O’Grady’s, Danny’s Irish Pub, Como’s, and the new Rust Belt Market are just some of the participating businesses that will help various charities with outreach and marketing.

Hundreds of pride banners and rainbow flags will adorn the entire Nine Mile Road and Woodward corridors for the weekend.

The City of Ferndale will pass a GLBT pride resolution at its next City Council meeting as it has for the past dozen years. For the first time , a proclamation recognizing GLBT pride in Ferndale is also expected to be issued through the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

June is the month celebrated worldwide by GLBT people and their allies, with millions marching and holding festivals in hundreds of countries on six continents. June marks the anniversary, 42 years ago, when Gay people participated in protests and disturbances in what became known as the “Stonewall Rebellion” in New York City.

While GLBT live in all areas of Southeast Michigan, Ferndale is generally recognized as having among the highest concentration of GLBT persons, estimated at 15 to 20% of the adult population. The city has hosted large gay pride festivals for the past ten years.

“Everyone is welcome to come to any of our events,” said Julia Music, event Co-Chair and Ferndale resident, wife, and mother. “In this town, everyone gets along. It is what makes Ferndale a safe and special place” she added.

Ferndale Pride:
Facebook: Ferndale Pride
Twitter: ferndalepride2011
www.Ferndalepride.com
ferndalepride2011@gmail.com

Dyke March:
Facebook: Southeast Michigan Dyke March
http://semidykemarch.org/
semidykemarch@gmail.com


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