Palm Springs, CA, 2012-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Considered to be one of the most scenic pride parades, the Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival celebrates its 26th Anniversary, November 1 – November 4, 2012, with multiple block parties, a two-day festival and parade in Palm Springs, California.
The 2012 theme, “Long May It Wave!” is a salute to the worldwide symbol of equality whose rainbow stripes have led a fight for equality while embracing our diversity and celebrating the unity of our community. Intended to celebrate the past and future progress toward quality, the theme also celebrates the profound sense of pride that the rainbow flag brings to individuals around the world. For a complete list of schedule of events and entertainers, go to www.pspride.org.
LGBT Center Concert: November 1 (7:00 p.m.)
Kicking off Pride festivities, the LGBT Center of the Desert presents Center Stage, a benefit concert headlined by Megan Mullally & Supreme Music, with special guest emcee Ross Mathews at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, November 1, 2012. No host cocktails and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $100. For ticket information visit www.thecenterps.org or call 760-416-7790.
26th Anniversary Pride Parade: November 4
The City of Palm Springs comes alive during the annual pride celebration. Thousands of spectators will gather along palm tree lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists and themed floats along historic Palm Canyon Drive. The parade is scheduled for Sunday, November 4 at 10 a.m. starting at E. Ramon Rd. and travels north on S. Palm Canyon Drive to Tachevah Dr.
2012 Grand Marshal is Retired Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, the first American soldier wounded in the Iraq War. Alva is recognized as a LGBT civil rights activist and a national spokesman for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Community Grand Marshals will be an original member of Dykes on Bikes, American director, producer and historian Glenne McElhinney along with one of the first out gay reports in the country Hank Plante. Celebrity Grand Marshals will be television, radio and stage performer Joey English and fashion designer Michael Costello.
This year’s Pride parade will make history as the Palm Springs Pride recognizes the 25th Anniversary of Palm Springs AIDS Walk. AIDS Walk will present a very special parade contingent that reflects on 25 years of care, prevention and advocacy. This will be the first time an AIDS Walk and Pride Parade have walked together. Walkers can expect plenty of entertaining surprises along this year’s parade route as well as a day of remembrance, HIV/AIDS education & awareness and community festivities. Timothy Brown “The Berlin Patient” will be an honored guest.
Two-Day Pride Festival: November 3 and 4 (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Pride Park is only a rainbow mile from downtown! The pride festival is held at Palm Springs Stadium. Festival highlights include: US Bank, Desert Radio Group & Rainbow Pride stages, 60’ Big Top Cabaret tent, Karoke Ten, Country Dance and PNN.fm HiNrg Dance Tents, featuring live entertainment and over ninety performances. Over 150 exhibitors and non-profit organizations, Vons Farmer’s Market, food and beverage vendors, Bud Light 2nd base bar with multiple beer stations, Authors’ Village, and HIV/AIDS testing by Desert Aids Project. The Palm Springs Stadium/Sunrise Park is located at 1901 E. Baristo Rd. Admission is $15 daily; $25 for Weekend Pass; $10 daily for Seniors (60+), Youth 12-18, and Students (19-24 w/current student ID); $65 Premier Two-day Admission with hosted Bud Light and wine. Tickets at festival gates or online at www.pspride.org.
Arenas Rd. Block Party ’12: November 3, 2012 (6:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
Produced by Palm Springs Pride in conjunction with Business Owners of Arenas Road in Palm Springs, this street festival is a free community event for 21 years and older. Join guest Emcee’s for live music, guest DJs, and featured performers Hi-Fashion, AB Soto, and Cherie Lily with her special guest DJ Andrew W.K. Street performers and drag queens will keep thousands entertained as they celebrate Pride Weekend on Arenas Road, home to a large collection of gay bars, restaurants and local businesses.
Miss Broadway in Drag: November 2 (8:00 p.m.)
Kicking off Pride festivities, the Palm Springs Canyon Theater will raise the curtain for beautiful female impersonators who will entertain spectators as they are judged on evening gown, talent and swimsuit. The Palm Canyon Theater is located at 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Admission is $35.00; $50 VIP Seats/Voter’s Circle. For tickets, call 760-323-5123.
Pride Honors Awards: November 2 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
The prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards will be presented at a reception at the Hyatt Regency Suites in Palm Springs located at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Admission is $15. For tickets visit bit.ly/honor2012.
Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to the LGBT rights pioneer and founder of Metropolitan Community Church Troy Perry, and Viola Johnson, recognizing her four decades of activism and leadership in the leather community. Mason Davis will be recognized as 2012 Spirit of Stonewall Special Guests for his activism and service on behalf of the transgender community; and a life-long feminist and activist Ruth Debra along with Gary Moline, Dean McDowell and the Desert Winds Freedom Band will be recognized with Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Awards. AIDS Walk Palm Springs is the 2012 Advocate of the Year and Arlene Rosenthal, Doug Hairgrove and Woody Wood will be honored as Volunteers of the Year.
Front Runners & Walkers Run/Walk: November 3 (8:00 a.m.)
10K Run, 5K Run, and 5K Walk. Course is flat and fast. All participants receive a race t-shirt and goodie bag. Awards will be presented to top male and female finishers in various age categories. Raffle prizes and refreshments served after the race. Race day registration starting at 6:00 a.m. or online registration is available at www.active.com. Palm Springs High School athletic stadium (Baristo Road and Farrell Way). $25 entry for 5K Run and 5K Walk. $30 entry for 10K Run. Discounted entry is available for students and current members of Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers. Additional information at www.psfr.org.
Hands On: Pride at Ace Hotel & Swim Club: November 3 (Saturday afternoon)
Join a big, gay roster of DJs and performers with a killer view of the San Jacinto’s from your deck chair. Part of ACE’s five-day music and arts festival during pride, Hands On is also a benefit for the Palm Springs Pride fund to support Coachella Valley Gay-Straight Alliance organizations — $5 of each ticket supports LGBTQ high school events and programs. Admission is $20 at the door. ACE Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264. 760.325.9900
Plan Your Trip to Palm Springs
Palm Springs has the largest collection of gay and lesbian resorts in the United States with nearly 30 gay and lesbian-owned and/or operated resorts and guesthouses. For travel deals and upcoming events, go to www.VisitGayPalmSprings.com. For additional for Greater Palm Springs Pride festivities, go to www.pspride.org.
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