Photo courtesy of High Desert Dance AcademyDancers from High Desert Dance Academy performed at the Pride Community Event in Winslow last weekend to great applause. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Harper Nelson, Remington Nelson, (second row) Natalia Palfy, Kira Jones, Alakai Feldmann, Aarik Feldman, Illia Otterback, Sylace Ottersbach, (third row) Nicole Guzman, Paytyn Lyons, Livia Palfy, Leila Palfy, Zoey Jones, Caprece Fugatt, Riley Alexander, Ziva Johnson and choreographer Preston Sam.
Photo courtesy of High Desert Dance AcademyDancers from High Desert Dance Academy performed at the Pride Community Event in Winslow last weekend to great applause. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Harper Nelson, Remington Nelson, (second row) Natalia Palfy, Kira Jones, Alakai Feldmann, Aarik Feldman, Illia Otterback, Sylace Ottersbach, (third row) Nicole Guzman, Paytyn Lyons, Livia Palfy, Leila Palfy, Zoey Jones, Caprece Fugatt, Riley Alexander, Ziva Johnson and choreographer Preston Sam.

Last weekend, as part of Pride Month, hundreds of people took part in two days of festivities in Winslow.

On Friday, June 24, a show featuring 10 drag artists from around the state performed a 21 and over show at Tom’s Tavern. The show was well attended with organizers reporting over 300 people in attendance. Audience members included Winslow Mayor Roberta Cano who said, “This is an inclusive community event encouraging love and support to all.”

The following day, a family friendly picnic was held with all ages in attendance. Over 400 people took part in games, music, dancing and food at no charge.

Sponsors Poketo Taquitos, More Than a Corner Thrift Store and The Cherry Bombs also hosted organizations such as Free Mom Hugs, a national group supporting individuals and families of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Health and wellness resources were also available at the community event including complimentary HIV testing and information from CAN Community Health and Alice’s Place provided education materials on domestic violence and other issues experienced by LGBTQIA+ and questioning youth and adults.

The successful event also featured a small parade around town, with positive feedback from onlookers.

Cano concluded, “I am so proud of my city and its citizens for embracing such a beautiful event.”

The Pride Community Event takes place each year the last weekend of June and is presented by the volunteer group, The Cherry Bombs.