The 2023 Sylva Pride festival is again here. Hosted by Sylva and WCU’s own Beulah Land, this year Pride on Sept. 9 looks to be even bigger and better than last year.
Travis Roundtree, head of the Sylva Pride board, says he expects around 300 attendees this year. Though the anticipated rain may dampen that number.
With a lineup of incredible talent, the pre-Pride kick off on Friday with a host of events. There will be a Divas on tap Pride Weekend Pre-Show hosted by Alexsis Black at Innovation Station in Dillsboro. Beginning at 8:15 p.m. and with only a $10 cover, anyone can enjoy.
Additionally, there will be both a pre-Pride and post Pride drag show at the Paper Mill in Sylva. For this show there is no cover for entry and doors will open at 5 p.m. before showtime at 12:30 a.m.
On the day of pride there will be a multitude of vendors and activities as well as resources and outreach programs. Some booths that will be attending include WCU SAGA, The Center for Domestic Peace, Emily Powell Glass, Tipsy Gypsy Tie Dyes and more.
The line up of events for the day of Sylva Pride 2023 is as follows:
This year’s Pride is also in the spotlight due to the Mx. Sylva Pride pageant garnering some negative attention. The pageant, held on Aug. 13, had a handful of protestors outside who were barred entry.
As far as this year’s Sylva Pride, however, Roundtree says he has no worries. “We always expect and prepare for protestors but are going to celebrate joy and our queer community here despite them,” said Roundtree.
Nevertheless, in an abundance of caution, the Sylva Pride board has been in contact with Chris Hatton, chief of police at the Sylva Police Department. Everyone is working their best to make this year’s Sylva Pride a success.
