Ferndale Pride is Almost Here!

This Saturday in Ferndale is going to be a crazy one! In case you don't already know, June 1 is Ferndale Pride Day! If you're not sure what that is, Ferndale Pride strives to recognize and promote pride for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally communities. Each year they have a festival to celebrate and promote diversity in the community. The festival includes tons of events like the Rainbow Run, food, music, bar/club events and lots more!

The festival officially begins at noon on Saturday with a rainbow balloon release, which is the finale to the run. The Rainbow Run is organized by the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce and is expected to bring in 1,000 participants. You can run or walk in it through Ferndale's neighborhoods. For more info on the run and to register, you can go here.

The street festival part of the day will take place on West Nine Mile and will go until 9 p.m. Some of the musicians that will be performing that day are My Pal Val, Chris Anthem, and All Day Monday. Feel free to bring the kids! There will be a children's activity area for them to have some fun as well. You can also catch a few speakers at 2:30 p.m. on the main stage. The speakers will include Jason Krzysiak and Ann Perry, Pleasant Ridge City Commissioners that were leaders in passing a human right's ordinance recently.

Speaking of music, if you need a little break from the festivities and want to head inside for a bit, you should check out the benefit at Found Sound. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a show benefiting the Ruth Ellis Center, which is an LGBTQ shelter in Detroit. They are the only mission specific agency in the entire midwest that are dedicated to LGBTQ youth so it's a great cause to support. The event is sponsored by the Seaholm Gay-Straight Alliance and will feature some pretty great bands. The Flaks, Fires in Japan, Five Star Hotel, Matt Wixson's Flying Circus and Carmel Liburdi will all be playing. Just a warning, this is a school-sanctioned event, so leave the booze outside, no substances allowed. Cover for this show is only $5 and all proceeds go to the Center. 

Saturday should be a great day full of support and lots of fun. Ferndale Pride only comes once a year so go crazy! 

~B