Scene spotlight
FESTIVAL
South Georgia Pride
Festival returns after pandemic absence
by TERRY RICHARDS photography provided by KELLIE TRENT
Adecade-long tradition of inclusion is returning to Lowndes County after a twoyear hiatus brought by the COVID-19 pandemic . The South Georgia Pride Festival , also known as “ Music and Art on Main ,” is scheduled for 2-7 p . m . June 4 at the Train Depot in Hahira .
South Georgia Pride board member , Richard Willis , lives in the Thomasville area and identifies as pansexual .
“ When the festival was held in Valdosta at Saunders Park , there would be protesters gathered in a church parking lot across from the park ,” Willis said . “ Younger people tend to be more accepting of those with different lifestyles than their elders .”
While past festivals have brought in as many as 1,000 people , Willis said he would guess about 200-300 will show up this year .
The entertainment lineup includes Mama Stone , Jen Anders , Flintlock Annie , Azalea City Entertainment and the reigning Miss South Georgia Pride , Samantha Fox .
Many vendors are expected to take part in June ’ s South Georgia Pride festival .
Kellie Trent and Richard Willis are board members for South Georgia Pride .
20 Valdosta Scene | June 2022