Loud and proud
Flying the flag for respect at Newport Oregon Pride
The Newport community is coming together to present the Newport Oregon Pride event for the fourth year in a row, taking place at various locations throughout the city this Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21.
With eight different types of activities during the three days, there is something for everyone.
The joyful event that promotes inclusivity and acceptance also, sadly, has to consider the safety of guests.
“We have added security again this year,” said organizer Kathy Redwine. “We hope people will come out, but we understand that some people may stay away out of fear.”
Events kick off Friday evening with a Trivia Pub Night at Bier One and Movie and Picnic at the Pool, then start your Saturday at the Super Queer Fun Fair at the Newport Recreation Center.
The fun fair will feature 50 vendors with merchandise, information and food and new this year will be a “Two-Spirit” presentation with Robert Kentta and Lisa Norton from the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
“We’ve been trying over the years to reach out and create a partnership with the tribe,” Redwine said. “We are really excited to have them share their knowledge.”
The Newport Public Library booth at the fair will have rock painting and other Pride-themed crafts, plus two raffles featuring book baskets, Pride flags and assorted treasures. Patrons can show their library card at the booth to earn an extra raffle ticket.
Drag Bingo at the Newport 60+ Activity Center returns, featuring Drag King Richard Ryder and Drag Queen Siri L. Box. Then, at the Newport Performing Arts Center, Queen tribute band Epic Queen will give an epic performance. If you want to keep moving after the show, head to the After-Party at Primaltones Community Venue.
“The DJ that will be at the after-party, DJ Osario, has been at the fun fair the last few years,” Redwine said. “He is going to have his fun photo booth available while he’s spinning tunes.”
Those who stayed in or still have energy after staying out late can awaken on Sunday and head to the Pride Unity 5K and Kids’ Run, then refuel at the Drag Brunch at the Hallmark Resort.
“We are happy to have so much support from allies and the many kind-hearted people in our community,” Redwine said. “In particular, we thank the City of Newport for its continued support and commitment to inclusivity, kindness and living up to its motto as “The Friendliest.”
For more information, go to newportoregonpride.com.
Event Schedule
Friday, Sept. 19
5 to 11 pm – Trivia Pub Night, Bier One Brewing
5:30 pm – Pride Movie and Picnic at the Pool, Newport Recreation Center
Saturday, Sept. 20
10 am to 1 pm – Super Queer Fun Fair, Newport Recreation Center
Noon – Pride Proclamation, Newport Recreation Center
1:30 to 4:30 – Drag Bingo, Newport 60+ Activity Center
7:30 pm – Epic Queen, Newport Performing Arts Center
9 pm – After-Party, Primaltones Community Venue
Sunday, Sept. 21
8:30 am – Newport Pride Run for Unity, Newport Performing Arts Center
11 am – Drag Brunch, Hallmark Resort
Pride at the library
Newport Public Library will celebrate Newport Pride with a variety of events for all ages.
On Friday, join author Joanie Lindenmeyer from 11 am to 12:30 pm for the presentation, “Nun Better and Joyously Free!”
Lindenmeyer is the bestselling author of the memoir “Nun Better: An Amazing Love Story,” co-written with her late wife Carol Tierheimer, that tells the extraordinary story of their 40-year romance when they met as Catholic nuns during a time when coming out was dangerous and rare. Lindenmeyer will read excerpts and show a video about building a life rooted in love, truth, authenticity and courage, defying the odds and paving the way for a future that was once thought impossible.
In her high-energy style, she'll also read from her second published book, “Joyously Free!” written with best-selling coauthor Elizabeth Ann Atkins and a 32-member team of brave and raw first-time writers. The book shows that the LGBTQ+ community can find the courage to live their truths "out and joyful."
On Friday afternoon, activities will include making Pride bracelets, creating rainbow ribbon wands and coloring Pride-themed pages.
A chalk art activity will be on offer outside at Literacy Park for casual, self-guided participation. Light refreshments will be served during craft activities.
On Saturday, craft with leftover supplies from Friday’s activities, capture a Pride-themed photo with provided props and head outside for the final day of the chalk art activity.
Show your Pride at the library to receive a small prize and an extra raffle ticket for the drawing that will be held with tickets gathered at the library and the Super Queer Fun Fair.
Newport Public Library is located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-2153.