“There is going to be a lot of music, a lot of fun and a lot of rainbows,” said Burgin Mackey, Sylva Pride President.
Sylva Pride held their fourth annual pride celebration Sept. 13 through 15, despite not being able to hold their traditional parade.
In April, Sylva’s Board of Commissioners denied Sylva Pride a parade permit this year due to safety concerns. The organization refused to allow this choice to stop the annual celebration. Instead, the celebration expanded into a three-day festival packed with events.
“I really wanted to find a way that would de-escalate tensions and promote a s
afety culture for our community,” said Mackey.
“Sylva Pride is not canceled because there is no parade, it is bigger and better,” said Natalie Newman, Sylva Pride board member. “[Sylva Board of Commissioners] denying the parade has now opened up this whole world of possibilities and allowed for more to happen.”
The denial of the parade also increased the anticipated turnout this year. Sylva Pride expected 500 people to attend the various events throughout the weekend, up from the 400 people expected prior to the parade denial.
St. John’s Episcopal Church hosted a special mass Friday afternoon to celebrate pride.
Sylva Pride kicked off with Quare Dancin’ at Santé – The Wine Bar on Friday night.
Quare Dancin’ featured spirited performances of “We are Family” by Sister Sledge, “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex and “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. Steppin’ Out AVL, an Asheville-based country and western dance group, gave line dancing lessons to anyone interested.
This year is the first year Quare Dancin’ is part of Sylva Pride. The event was met with overwhelming positive reactions from participants.
“Quare Dancin’ is a really good way to promote queerness in the community,” said Lola Hickey.
“It’s really just nice to see just happy queer people all in one space with no random toxicity,” said Katy Riggs.
“I am having so much fun,” said Parker Matthews. “It’s really great and it’s nice to be in such an inclusive environment.”
Neon Moon Drag Karaoke at the Dark Moon Cocktail Bar was the final event of Friday. Dark Moon hosts Drag Karaoke throughout the year, but Friday’s karaoke was dedicated “Bye Bye Beulah.” The theme was dedicated to Beulah Land, WCU alumni and Sylva drag queen.
“Attending pride was very last minute, but I’ve never really been able to celebrate Pride because of the schedule. I made it a priority this year, just because of how much the community has grown,” said Caroline Hufnagle. 
“I think it’s great that Sylva has a community like this, and it makes me feel really safe being a queer woman in the area to have such supportive events and to get community together like this,” said Kathryn Ross.
Saturday’s events included a chalk walk, Mad for Drag! and Beach Barbies: Drag Brunch.
A new addition to the celebration is the Chalk Walk. “I’m hoping to see a lot of people from the community get involved, drawing on the sidewalks and enjoying the nice weather we’re starting to have,” said Newman.
Also on Saturday, Indivisible Common Ground WNC hosted Rock the Vote to promote voter registration.
The three-day event ended Sunday with the new pride festival and an after party. The festival is the newest and biggest addition to Sylva Pride.
“This year gives us a lot more opportunity to spread things out, to be together and to prolong the celebrations,” Newman said.
