Advocate Alliance of Broken Arrow will hold its second annual Pride Fest in BA on Saturday May 27th at Events Park in Broken Arrow from 12pm until 5pm. This is a free community event.

This year’s festival will feature over 50 vendors, including booths selling handmade goods, and informational booths. There will also be food trucks on site, so bring an appetite.

The entertainment area, sponsored by Mix 96.5, will feature multiple entertainers including aerialists from SkyDancer Productions and various community speakers, including a special guest from the Ernest Childers VA Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa. Due to the legislation in the works, AABA made the decision to forgo a traditional drag show this year. However, knowing it is important to give the artists a voice at the event, there will be a special drag panel, featuring local artists who will address the issues facing the LBGTQIA+ community. Entertainment Coordinator, Katie Meacham, added, “Don’t forget to bring tips. Drag artists are being targeted right now and are losing their livelihood.”

With the uptick in the backlash against the LGBTQIA+ community, and last year’s protesters at the event, AABA is pouring a large chunk of funds into security. Therefore, donations are highly needed to ensure the success of this event and can be made on their website at Advocateba.org. Security will be provided by Conway Security Services, LLC.

The kid’s zone, sponsored by Cox Family Inflatables, will include an inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castle, story time and more. Miss Holly from Wonderworks Tulsa will be providing free face painting and musical entertainment for the kids.

There will be a silent auction on site with goodies from the attending vendors and other businesses in the area. This includes two packages from Tulsa Picnics & Events, a local business that puts together unique picnic and slumber party experiences. DJ Bradley will be tying the whole event together with music, party skills and personality.

AABA was founded to create a safe space for marginalized community members. Proceeds from this year’s festival will go towards opening a physical location to host their youth program and other events throughout the year.

“We started this whole thing in response to the bullying we saw online, and in our everyday lives, towards the LBGTQIA+ youth, and adults, in our community,” said AABA Vice President Penny Nelson. “We just want everyone to know that we support you and there is a safe community here for you in Broken Arrow.”