Cedar Valley Pridefest Celebrates LGBT Diversity in Eastern Iowa
WATERLOO, IA – Preparations have begun to host the first gay pride event in the Cedar Valley to celebrate sexual orientation diversity in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and the surrounding communities.
The 300-block of West Fourth Street in Downtown Waterloo will be closed off to accommodate the 12-hour event beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, August 18 and ending at 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Sunday, August 19. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.CedarValleyPride.com in a variety of packages, ranging from $6 per ticket and two tickets for $11 up to $100 Friend Level Sponsorships. Advance tickets are priced below gate admission of $7 per ticket.
“Our goal is to celebrate diversity in our communities and promote acceptance and inclusion,” said John Hayes, an event organizer with Cedar Valley Pridefest. “The event is designed for everyone, not just the LGBT community. Everyone can make a difference to challenge stereotypes and stand for diversity and acceptance. It starts one step at a time. This is our first step and we invite the community to join us and have a good time.”
The event will feature live music, food and beverage vendors, information booths, female impersonators and much more. Many of the acts will be members of the LGBT community from the Cedar Valley and throughout the Midwest. Live on the Bud Light Stage includes appearances from Chicago-based acoustic rocker Dave Tamkin, female vocalist and keyboardist Caroline, from Waterloo and roller derby demonstrations by the Cedar Valley’s own Push-Up Brawlers.
Female impersonators will entertain the audience throughout the day including Waterloo’s own reigning Empress of Iowa, Courtney Michaels. Other acts include cast members from King’s & Queen’s Club lead by show director Ruby James Knight and guest performers from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and the state of Indiana. Stick around that evening for a live comedy troupe and burlesque show from Sissy’s Sircus. A full show line-up is available at www.cedarvalleypride.com.
“We’re not out to push agendas, just to share important information and make it accessible for those who want to know more,” said Hayes. “Street fair-style informational booths and vendors will line West Fourth to help educate and inform the community of diversity and equality issues that effect their friends and neighbors.”
Cedar Valley Pride is sponsored by Bud Light, U.S. Cellular, King’s & Queen’s Club, CBE Group, JSA Development, Computer Reboot, Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County and many more. The group is still accepting sponsorships, vendors and non-profit participants through the event. Interested organizations should contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
More information about the event, sponsorships and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.CedarValleyPride.com.
