Bring on the rain-bow
Don’t take a rain check on Newport Oregon Pride
By Gwyneth Gibby
For the TODAY
Anyone feeling a bit of extra spring in their step, an urge to celebrate or just the impulse to have some fun, can find all they’re looking for at the fifth annual Newport Oregon Pride, taking place at a variety of venues from Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 20.
The weekend features activities and entertainment for the whole family, from a Fun Fair to Drag Bingo, an Elton John tribute band, a 5K and kids run and more.
“It’s a party,” said organizer Kathy Redwine. “A wonderful, safe, freeing time.”
Newport’s City Hall has gotten into the spirit by flying the Progress Pride Flag right next to the stars and stripes. The city council voted to fly the rainbow flag to “affirm the City of Newport’s unwavering commitment to safety, dignity and justice for all LGBTQ2SIA+ people,” according to a unanimous resolution adopted earlier this month. The flag will fly through September 22.
The fun kicks off at 6 pm on Friday with Trivia Pub Night at Bier One Brewing, with Tangent Trivia hosting the game. Show off your vast accumulation of useless knowledge and make your friends green with envy all while enjoying craft beer and a baked Reuben or Cubano sandwich, among other delicious offerings.
Younger folks might prefer the Movie and Picnic at the Pool, starting at 5:30 pm at the Newport Recreation Center. There will be a PG animated film voiced by some of Hollywood’s top stars. Call the recreation center at 541-265-7783 for the title or just go and be pleasantly surprised. Pizza and sweets will be served.
The big event of the weekend will be the Super Queer Fun Fair at the recreation center on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, with more than 60 vendors and resources, a game room, a silent disco and a silent auction.
Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan will read the Pride Proclamation at noon.
After the excitement of the morning, a nice sit-down activity might be just what you need. There will be two rounds of Drag Bingo from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Newport 60+ Activity Center. The entertainment, and energy, will be provided by drag kings Heavy Cream and Luke N. Good. Watch them strut their stuff with wit and style while you match the numbers on your cards and collect your winnings. Cha-ching!
On Saturday at 7 pm it’s time to get out the sequins, high heels and outrageous glasses as Kenny Metcalf takes the stage at the Newport Performing Arts Center as Elton John, along with The Early Years Band. Metcalf is a veteran Elton tribute performer, and even musicians who have worked with Elton himself have cheered him on as the real deal. A second show will take place at 2 pm on Sunday.
Not ready to hit the hay on Saturday night? Head to the After Party at Primaltones Community Venue. VDJ Osorio will provide the tunes and there will be a photo booth to grab fab pictures to memorialize the weekend. Or blackmail your friends — your choice.
For those who didn't overdo it on Saturday, Sunday morning starts off with the Run for Unity 5K and Kids Run. Run as fast as you can, amble along or walk and talk with your friends. Both runs start and end at the Newport Performing Arts Center, with the kids run beginning at 8:30 am and the 5K beginning soon after.
The course takes runners through Historic Nye Beach, along Elizabeth Street and past the iconic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $10 for the kids run.
For anyone feeling a tad less energetic on Sunday morning or who needs some post-race refueling, a Drag Brunch will be served at 11 am at the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn for those who have reached the advanced age of 21, with entertainment by the fabulous Sweeney Gray, Mai Faye Rit and Misty Magi.
The menu includes a “Yaquina Bay Sunrise” buffet with eggs, bacon, seasoned breakfast potatoes and more. Tickets are $60 for brunch with champagne and $50 sans the bubbly.
Not to be missed on this full weekend is the exhibit “Transgressors” at the Newport Visual Arts Center. Curated by Indigenous artists and advocates Felix Furby (Grand Ronde, Chinook) and Anthony Hudson (Grand Ronde, Siletz), the exhibit, which continues through October 18, focuses on ancestral as well as contemporary Indigiqueer and Two Spirit artists. There will be an opening reception and talk with artists beginning at 5 pm on Saturday.
There have been no safety issues at past Newport Oregon Pride events, despite some of the threats on the national scene against people in the LGBT+ community, and organizers are dedicated to making people feel comfortable and as though they belong.
“We have a lot of people looking out for us,” Redwine said. “Be kind to each other.”
For more information, venue locations and tickets, go to newportoregonpride.com.