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Diversity celebrated at Saturday's Kalamazoo Pride festival

by Deanne Puca

June 7, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of Kalamazoo Pride festival.
Kalamazoo Pride festival
Saturday, June 11
Arcadia Creek Festival Place
KALAMAZOO--Diversity will be celebrated with live music, food and remarks at Kalamazoo Pride 2011 from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Arcadia Creek Festival Place downtown.

The event celebrates all forms of diversity in Kalamazoo, but focuses on sexual orientations and gender identities. Similar events are taking place across the country and in the nation's capital on Saturday.

Highlighting the local celebration is lecturer and trainer Ignacio Rivera, founder of Poly Patao Productions, who will deliver the keynote address following state Rep. Sean McCann's introduction at 6 p.m.

Live entertainment begins at 2 p.m. Performances include the Le Souk Dance Company, Doll House Productions, folk duo Nervous But Excited and Chicago-based variety dance band Pop Goes the GIO. Prizes will be awarded at the all-age talent and variety show from 3 to 5 p.m.

Local businesses and artisans will be at the event selling art and jewelry. Local nonprofit, political and religious organizations will have information booths set out.

Food vendors include Big Moe's BBQ, Comensoli's Italian Bistro and Bar, T.G.I. Friday's, Chocolatea and Saffon.

Kalamazoo Pride is sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Metro Nightclub, PNC Bank and Arcus Foundation, among others. All proceeds benefit the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center which organizes the annual event.

Visit kglrc.org/pride for more information.