We look forward to a big welcome to Saturday’s “Gay Bow Hood” and the resurgence of the Oleunder Pride Walk and Drive event. Based on a positive reaction to last year’s first rally, downtown neighborhood residents gathered in the morning for activities and support. ..
The neighborhood’s nickname is that Olivia Garrison spoke last year for the first ever Oleunderpride. As a resident of Oleander, she said the LGBTQ community has shown itself as a place in Bakersfield with strong support.
Last year, about 100 people walked and drove around the neighborhood, enjoying decorations and colorful displays outside their homes and in public places.
This year’s event should attract more people as more people will be more comfortable with large gatherings.
“I’m hoping for a higher turnout,” Garrison said. “It’s still a homemade event. That’s what we call it. We’re gathering as a community and taking a walk in the neighborhood. In that sense it’s going to be pretty much the same.”
The difference is the start time. With a maximum temperature expected to exceed 100 degrees Celsius on Saturday, the organizers chose to make it a morning event and kicked off at the Beer Park at 9am.
Check out information booths such as The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity and Kern Behavioral Health, as well as vendors of queer-themed makeup, wine and apparel.
At 10 am, participants can start a walk or drive. Last year, many chose to drive to maintain social distance, but decorated the car and actively honked along the route, Garrison said.
Maps are now available to guide people to points of interest, such as existing Creative Crossing Co-Create murals scattered throughout the neighborhood, decorated homes, and temporary chalk art created just for the event. Mural
Creative Crossing Co-Create was used to support chalk art that is part of the scavenger hunt.
Mario Gonzalez, one of the members of the art group, said he was given open guidelines on what to create.
“They just wanted something proud and colorful,” he said. “There is no political position. We are here to celebrate everyone and show Bakersfield’s inclusiveness. Just be proud of it and show your pride.”
In addition to Gonzales, Sarah Cooper, Sarah Emery, Dara Kendrick, Jennifer Williams, Ramiro Hernandez, Jennifer Ayala, Julie Gonzalez, Michelle Costa, Jennifer Bertrand, Tania Diaz, Gillian Fowler, Minami Marina, Juana Melgoza, Evelyn Dominguez, Miguel Rodriguez, Danielle Velling.
Everyone will be done by Friday night and ready for the morning event.
According to Gonzales, in some places you can’t go too far when you’re fighting a sprinkler that can turn a chalk masterpiece into a flowing river of colors.
“It may be okay, but a river that’s been a day old isn’t good,” Gonzales said.
The Parkway features the most chalk art, but other works will be on display at Sunset Avenue, Sun Emidio Street, Oleander Avenue and elsewhere.
Walkers can return to the park around 11:00 am, where the winner of the Scavenger Hunt will be awarded along with other raffle draws.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Garrison said last year he was humbled by the turnout of supporters in the county, which could be considered less comprehensive. She looks forward to seeing everyone in her neighborhood this weekend.
“There are LGBTQ people in every part of Bakersfield. We are here and an important member of this community. We have many of us who call Bakersfield home, so we have a welcome event. It’s exciting to hold.
“It’s called Ole Underpride, but we welcome everyone. Even if you just want to pass by. We encourage people to come out and experience the joy.”
Oleunder Pride begins Saturday at 9am at Beer Park, 500 Oleunder Avenue. The neighborhood walks and drives return to the park at 10am and the raffle returns at 11am. For more information, please visit: facebook.com/oleanderpride..
There flows the neighborhood: Oleander Pride brings community together | Entertainment Source link There flows the neighborhood: Oleander Pride brings community together | Entertainment
