The Town of Herndon will hold its first-ever Pride event this Saturday (June 8). The family-friendly festival is free and will feature music, crafts, food, drag performers and more.
The event, called HerndonPRIDE, will be hosted by Arts Herndon, an organization focused on artistic and educational opportunities for artists and performers.
Arts Herndon President and CEO Joanna Ormesher told FFXnow that the goal is to create a safe and joyous space for queer Herndon students and young people.
“We will offer a diverse array of opportunities to gather in activism, in celebration, and in advocacy. The variety of offerings across all of our events represents the diversity of ways our community acknowledges and celebrates pride,” she said.
By holding the festival, Ormesher said Arts Herndon shows it can respect everyone and have fun while doing it.
“It’s an event, where people of various sexual orientations and genders get together and celebrate who they are,” Ormesher said. “Straight allies come too — some to watch and cheer — others celebrate and dance alongside their friends in support.”
Ormesher noted that Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman and his team has been helpful with planning the festival.
Bierman told FFXnow he was happy to support the town’s first pride event, saying it’s the county’s policy to promote a culture where all residents feel included and accepted.
“Having a fun, family-friendly event close to home like Herndon Pride where everyone can gather as one community, learn about LGBTQ+ issues, and celebrate Pride Month affirms Fairfax’s welcoming culture and the importance of the diversity of our residents,” the supervisor said.
HerndonPRIDE will take place on the Arts Herndon lawn (750 Center Street) from noon to 5 p.m. In the lead-up to the event, the arts organization will display curated works by local queer artists, starting this Wednesday (June 5) through Saturday.
Arts Herndon’s Pride Month celebration comes on the heels of the Reston Pride Festival, which was held this past Saturday (June 1) at Lake Anne Plaza.
