Here’s a way you can support New West Pride – and possibly win some cash.
From Aug. 14 to 21, New West Pride is holding a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. The draw is taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 22.
“The 50/50 draw is one (fun!) way New West Pride is diversifying our fundraising efforts so we can be more sustainable,” said Katie Stobbart, president of the New West Pride Society. “Costs in putting on events like ours have risen dramatically over the past few years, and we want to do more than an annual festival— we want to grow and continue to serve the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in New West throughout the year.”
Tickets are $10 for one, $40 for five and $100 for 20. Tickets can be purchased online at trellis.org/newwestpride5050draw.
As of Friday, Aug. 22, the winning prize was a few hundred dollars – but that’s expected to grow as folks hear about it at Saturday’s street festival.
“The 50/50 draw will take place online, and there will be QR codes available at the event directing attendees to participate,” Stobbart said Thursday night. “At time of writing, the prize is a few hundred dollars, but we expect it to climb at least as high as our pilot draw in the spring, which saw the winner (and the society) take home over $2,000.”
New West Pride’s 2023 street festival takes place on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 3 to 8 p.m. It includes live entertainment on two stages, roving performers, street activations, vendors and food offerings.
“I would love to encourage the community — queer and ally — to come out to Columbia Street on Aug. 19, not only to have a good time, but to demonstrate that New West is a community that welcomes all people, no matter who they love, no matter who they are,” Stobbart said. “And of course, there will be entertainment, food, and organizations and businesses from around the community to round out your festival experience. We are particularly excited to have arranged some roving entertainment (including Hidden Wonders for a magical touch to the day) this year.”
Stobbart said New West Pride is also pleased to be debuting its site-wide liquor license. That means, for the first time since the festival began, guests will be able to wander the festival with a drink in hand, from Steel & Oak, Another Brewing Company, or Plenty.
A wide variety of events have been taking place during New West Pride Week, which runs from Aug. 10 to 20.
“I want to thank the community for being so involved, supportive, and present for New West Pride week,” Stobbart said. “We’re so excited for this year’s festival, and if Pride Week events have been any indication, it’s bound to be a year to remember.”
