Pride week’s activities won’t be short on entertainment

PRIDE WEEK, packed full of events, is coming. Now, I know most of you probably are wondering what Spokane could have for Pride Week that possibly might interest you. Well, drop the pessimism.

Pride Week has several fun activities. Definitely check out the films that will be here. Each film fest I’ve been to in the area has been much better than expected. This is also a primo opportunity to take advantage of my subject last week – dates. I’ve met several people at Pride activities that have become great friends.

The week starts with a film on Monday. “Key West: City of Colors” begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Met Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. The price is $10. The 63-minute documentary film is about the world’s largest rainbow flag. The flag, when unfurled, is 8,000 feet and 3 tons. The intention was to have the flag run sea to sea in Florida to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the flag.

The film’s director, Talmadge Heyward, will be present for a Q&A afterward. A post party will be at Dempsey’s Brass Rail sponsored by Absolut Vodka (supporters of the gay community since 1981). The cost is $5 or free with your film ticket. The party will start about 8 p.m.

The annual Rainbow Awards, honoring individuals and organizations in the gay community, will be Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4030 W. Fort George Wright Drive. The Inland Northwest Business Association will be honored with the Rainbow Group Award and will be announcing this year’s INBA Scholarship winners. The event is free and supports those who are striving to make this city better.

A One Night Stand of Films will be Friday, June 11, at the Eastern Washington University Riverpoint Auditorium, 665 N. Riverpoint Blvd. This mini LBGTQ film festival benefits Pride Week. The cost is $5. These films are always amusing and shouldn’t be missed.

My first year participating in Pride Week, I went on the Emmanuel Metropolitan Community Church Pride Cruise. To say the least it was an interesting time socializing and looking at the beautiful houses on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The annual cruise – this year on June 12 – boards at 5:30 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and leaves at 6 p.m. It returns to the dock at 8 p.m. It costs $18 or $35 for couples. Drinks are available, and there will be dancing on board.

Last, but not least, is the Pride March on June 13. This year’s theme is “The Wedding Reception of the Year.” It starts at the Spokane Civic Theater at 11 a.m. and ends at the Gondola Meadows in Riverfront Park. It is, of course, a free event, so set up along the route or jump in to show your pride. At the Gondola Meadows, a pride and information fair will be set up. You can buy rainbow necklaces or join area groups.

If you need any more information, go to www.inbaspokane.org for more details. This is a wonderful week and, with continued support, it will get better each year. Everyone is invited and will feel welcomed.