Dripping Springs’ second-annual pride festival came and went this past weekend with over 2,000 people in attendance.
The Pride of Dripping Springs event took place on Saturday, June 25, in recognition of June as National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and in honor of International LGBT+ Pride Day on June 28. Co-sponsored by the city, the festival was hosted at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center and included vendors, performers and activities for all ages.
The event was also expected to feature several horse speed events — including barrel racing and pole bending — organized by the Texas Gay Rodeo Association. However, due to a weekof cancellation, the rodeo portion of the event did not take place.
Still, the event was deemed a success, according to Joe Harris, vice president of Pride of DS.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” Harris said. “There were zero incidents from a disruption or safety perspective, and the kids’ events hosted by the YMCA were a big hit. High schoolers and pre-teens loved the teen lounge, and everyone was raving about [pianist] Anthony Lux.”
“Our drag queens, led by Nadine Hughes, really did a fabulous job too,” he continued. “Drag storytime went off without a hitch, and Pride After Dark (involving a DJ and drag show) was packed.”
The event saw over 500 more attendees than 2021, increasing by a third of last year’s size.
“I would say that attendance, based on the events of the weekend, was definitely impacted,” Harris commented. “But families of all shapes, col ors and sizes still came to celebrate love and equality, which was exactly what we wanted.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards providing mental health resources and family guidance services, organizing future Pride events and distributing scholarships from Pride of DS.
For more information, visit the Pride of Dripping Springs Facebook page or go on their website at prideofdrippingsprings.org.
