History
Metro East PrideFest 2008
The Metro East’s First Annual PrideFest: Celebrating Diversity and Equality was held on June 21, 2008 on 2nd St. at West Main in Belleville, IL. It was Sponsored by “Metro East Gays and Straights” (MEGS) founded by Janet Brannon, Barbara Arms and Janet Wright. The speakers included Mayor Mark Eckert and Lynn Clapp, Human Relations Council. Public officials in attendance included County Board Chairman, Mark Kern; Illinois Representative, Tom Holbrook and Alderman Dorothy Meyer.
Other speakers featured Marcelo Tenorio, the first immigrant from Brazil granted amnesty due to sexual orientation and the threat to his safety; Charles May, historian from Springfield, IL; Derek Slay , Vice-President of the Belleville Historical Society; Pastor Dianna Scarlet-Thomas, The Well of Living Waters Ministry and Sherry Haskins.
The musical entertainment featuring Summer Osborne, Common Sense Zero, Covering Fire and Kimmy V. was enjoyed by everyone. Booths at the fair included Reverend Carol Shanks, Bethel United Church of Christ, Cahokia, St. Paul United Church of Christ and the Gay/Straight Alliance, SIUE and many other vendors.
We were pleased with the attendance. Some of the attendance statistics were:
• Over 600 wrist bands were issued to adults
• Estimated 1,000 in attendance
• The street was closed around noon until 10 p.m.
• The weather was beautiful, with a brief cooling shower early in the day
• There were NO incidents throughout the event—everything went smoothly and peacefully
• A multi-cultural crowd, from young children to senior citizens
Metro East PrideFest 2009
The second annual Metro East PrideFest was held on June 20, 2009 on Belleville’s historic West Main.
The festival encompassed 3 city blocks and was a full day of events, live music and entertainment. Many social, educational and religious organizations were among the 66 Vendors that lined the streets. Club Escapade was named “The Home of Metro East Pride”.
The main attraction and headliner at the 2009 Festival was Belleville native, Lea DeLaria. She performed several of her jazz ensembles and part of her comedic act to a crowd of approximately 3,000 people.
Metro East PrideFest 2010
The third annual Metro East PrideFest was on June 19, 2010 in downtown Belleville, Illinois. The festival was held on West Main Street in the shadow of the historic fountain from noon until 10 p.m.
Despite the heat and late afternoon thunderstorm, festival goers browsed the many booths and food vendors along “Wagaman Way” and listened to myriad inspirational speakers and live entertainment. Highlights from the main stage included Rick Garcia from Equality Illinois and comedian, Trish Busch.
“Our message this year was that Metro East Pride was for everyone,” said Colby Kluthe, 2010 Vice President of MEP. “And that is just about who I saw there. Everyone!”
Kluthe pointed out that while the festival took on a spirit of homecoming for residents and visitors alike, the mission of Metro East Pride is about Diversity and Equality.
“What occurred in 2010 became more about Unity,” Kluthe continued. “Our entire region converged to celebrate as one people, as one St. Louis.”
Metro East PrideFest is the first festival to kick off the Pride season in the metropolitan area – which also includes St. Louis PrideFest and St. Louis Black Pride.
Metro East PrideFest 2011
Early morning storms subsided to usher in a picture perfect day, June 18, for the 4th Annual Metro East PrideFest downtown Belleville. Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI), which organizes the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied celebration estimated attendance for the West Main street event to be at 5,000.
Pride goers of all ages browsed some 50 booths ranging from LGBT organizations and non profits to religious groups, supportive businesses, food vendors and kids corner.
Representatives from the regions three LGBT Pride committees were on hand and the camaraderie and mutual respect was in full view as the presidents of each organization helped judge a last minute dance competition. Emcees Courtney Landrum from Y98 and the incomparable icon, Dieta Pepsi warmed up the crowds from the Pride stage which showcased an upbeat array of acts, including Jennifer Norman, POWjr72, Summer Osborne, You’re Not Kablamo and EarthSol. Belleville’s own David Dover (Sophia Kavockovitch) returned for a rare performance and to announce the MEPSI Royal Court: Roxie Norwood and Out of Sync (Miss/Mr. Metro East Pride) and Butterscotch and Trevor the Love Muscle (Queen/King of Club Escapade).
In an emotional tribute, Freeburg, Ill. native and St. Louis drag diva Bobb Kehrer (Khrystal Leight), the reigning Miss Queen of Pride, paid tribute to his brother-in-law Sonny Pitts who received the 2011 MEPSI Spirit Award. Also honored were Club Escapade owners Rick Hembree and Harold Schwartz with the 2011 Brenda Grissom and Dixie Ruliffson Community Service Award. Since 2008, Metro East Pride has served as the official kickoff to Pride Season in St. Louis. The festivities continue June 25-26 with St. Louis PrideFest and St. Louis Black Pride Aug. 19-21.
Metro East PrideFest 2012
In celebration of our fifth annual PrideFest, Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) held its first-ever Pride Glow March on June 15th in historic downtown Belleville, Illinois. Starting from the Belleville Public Library on Washington, the MEPSI Board of Directors, as well as leadership/members of Belleville’s PFLAG chapter marched down Main, through the square, and ended at Club Escapade. All in all there were approximately 50 revelers. Many waived full size rainbow flags as we marched, and we received many honks of support from passing motorists. A representative from the Belleville News Democrat was onsite to photograph this historic event.
Crystal blue skies ushered in our 5th Annual Metro East Pride event on June 16th. While possibly one of our hottest Pride dates on record, (and at 96 degrees, the hottest day of 2012 thus far), it is estimated that there were over 5,000 patrons in attendance throughout the day. Pride goers of all ages browsed some 50 + booths ranging from LGBT organizations and non profits to religious groups, supportive businesses, as well as food vendors. The day was filled with entertainment, including our emcee for the day, Dieta Pepsi. The Gateway Men’s Chorus, making their Metro East Pride debut opened the festival with the National Anthem, and then moved on to delight the audience with several classics from ABBA. Audiences were also entertained by the talents of The Avery Hill Band, Kristen Goodman, Jen Norman, and Summer Osborne. Saint Louis Pride Board President, Ethan Barnett; Secretary, Matt Harper; STL Pride Parade Coordinator, Ellen Vanscoy; STL Pride Entertaiment Chair, Scott King and Volunteer Coordinator, Edd Cockrell were in attendance. We were pleased to have Audrey Pearson on site as well. Dieta Pepsi introduced the MEPSI royal court, Queen Sierra Mist and King Jes. The crowd enjoyed a performance from MEPSI King Jes, and we were fortunate to also be entertained by Miss Dieta Pepsi herself, as well as MEPSI supporters Olivia Demornay and Victoria Demornay.
At our awards presentation, the 2012 Brenda Grisson and Dixie Ruliffson Community Service Award was presented to Illinois State Representative Greg Harris, and was accepted by Caroline Staerk, Equality Illinois Field Director. The 2012 MEPSI Spirit Award was presented to Bobbi Nix. Special Recognitions were given to Terri Serwacki and Jan Flandreau for their undying support to MEPSI through the years – as well as Nelka “Nikki” Stowers in memory of her husband Don. The MEPSI Legacy Awards were presented to the Pride President and Vice President. They had served in their capacity for over 2 years and the board is grateful for their service. While the festival had to shut down a bit early due to inclement weather – all in all it was deemed a great success.
Metro East PrideFest 2013
The Metro East’s First Annual PrideFest: Celebrating Diversity and Equality was held on June 21, 2008 on 2nd St. at West Main in Belleville, IL. It was Sponsored by “Metro East Gays and Straights” (MEGS) founded by Janet Brannon, Barbara Arms and Janet Wright. The speakers included Mayor Mark Eckert and Lynn Clapp, Human Relations Council. Public officials in attendance included County Board Chairman, Mark Kern; Illinois Representative, Tom Holbrook and Alderman Dorothy Meyer.
Other speakers featured Marcelo Tenorio, the first immigrant from Brazil granted amnesty due to sexual orientation and the threat to his safety; Charles May, historian from Springfield, IL; Derek Slay , Vice-President of the Belleville Historical Society; Pastor Dianna Scarlet-Thomas, The Well of Living Waters Ministry and Sherry Haskins.
The musical entertainment featuring Summer Osborne, Common Sense Zero, Covering Fire and Kimmy V. was enjoyed by everyone. Booths at the fair included Reverend Carol Shanks, Bethel United Church of Christ, Cahokia, St. Paul United Church of Christ and the Gay/Straight Alliance, SIUE and many other vendors.
We were pleased with the attendance. Some of the attendance statistics were:
• Over 600 wrist bands were issued to adults
• Estimated 1,000 in attendance
• The street was closed around noon until 10 p.m.
• The weather was beautiful, with a brief cooling shower early in the day
• There were NO incidents throughout the event—everything went smoothly and peacefully
• A multi-cultural crowd, from young children to senior citizens
Metro East PrideFest 2009
The second annual Metro East PrideFest was held on June 20, 2009 on Belleville’s historic West Main.
The festival encompassed 3 city blocks and was a full day of events, live music and entertainment. Many social, educational and religious organizations were among the 66 Vendors that lined the streets. Club Escapade was named “The Home of Metro East Pride”.
The main attraction and headliner at the 2009 Festival was Belleville native, Lea DeLaria. She performed several of her jazz ensembles and part of her comedic act to a crowd of approximately 3,000 people.
Metro East PrideFest 2010
The third annual Metro East PrideFest was on June 19, 2010 in downtown Belleville, Illinois. The festival was held on West Main Street in the shadow of the historic fountain from noon until 10 p.m.
Despite the heat and late afternoon thunderstorm, festival goers browsed the many booths and food vendors along “Wagaman Way” and listened to myriad inspirational speakers and live entertainment. Highlights from the main stage included Rick Garcia from Equality Illinois and comedian, Trish Busch.
“Our message this year was that Metro East Pride was for everyone,” said Colby Kluthe, 2010 Vice President of MEP. “And that is just about who I saw there. Everyone!”
Kluthe pointed out that while the festival took on a spirit of homecoming for residents and visitors alike, the mission of Metro East Pride is about Diversity and Equality.
“What occurred in 2010 became more about Unity,” Kluthe continued. “Our entire region converged to celebrate as one people, as one St. Louis.”
Metro East PrideFest is the first festival to kick off the Pride season in the metropolitan area – which also includes St. Louis PrideFest and St. Louis Black Pride.
Metro East PrideFest 2011
Early morning storms subsided to usher in a picture perfect day, June 18, for the 4th Annual Metro East PrideFest downtown Belleville. Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI), which organizes the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied celebration estimated attendance for the West Main street event to be at 5,000.
Pride goers of all ages browsed some 50 booths ranging from LGBT organizations and non profits to religious groups, supportive businesses, food vendors and kids corner.
Representatives from the regions three LGBT Pride committees were on hand and the camaraderie and mutual respect was in full view as the presidents of each organization helped judge a last minute dance competition. Emcees Courtney Landrum from Y98 and the incomparable icon, Dieta Pepsi warmed up the crowds from the Pride stage which showcased an upbeat array of acts, including Jennifer Norman, POWjr72, Summer Osborne, You’re Not Kablamo and EarthSol. Belleville’s own David Dover (Sophia Kavockovitch) returned for a rare performance and to announce the MEPSI Royal Court: Roxie Norwood and Out of Sync (Miss/Mr. Metro East Pride) and Butterscotch and Trevor the Love Muscle (Queen/King of Club Escapade).
In an emotional tribute, Freeburg, Ill. native and St. Louis drag diva Bobb Kehrer (Khrystal Leight), the reigning Miss Queen of Pride, paid tribute to his brother-in-law Sonny Pitts who received the 2011 MEPSI Spirit Award. Also honored were Club Escapade owners Rick Hembree and Harold Schwartz with the 2011 Brenda Grissom and Dixie Ruliffson Community Service Award. Since 2008, Metro East Pride has served as the official kickoff to Pride Season in St. Louis. The festivities continue June 25-26 with St. Louis PrideFest and St. Louis Black Pride Aug. 19-21.
Metro East PrideFest 2012
In celebration of our fifth annual PrideFest, Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) held its first-ever Pride Glow March on June 15th in historic downtown Belleville, Illinois. Starting from the Belleville Public Library on Washington, the MEPSI Board of Directors, as well as leadership/members of Belleville’s PFLAG chapter marched down Main, through the square, and ended at Club Escapade. All in all there were approximately 50 revelers. Many waived full size rainbow flags as we marched, and we received many honks of support from passing motorists. A representative from the Belleville News Democrat was onsite to photograph this historic event.
Crystal blue skies ushered in our 5th Annual Metro East Pride event on June 16th. While possibly one of our hottest Pride dates on record, (and at 96 degrees, the hottest day of 2012 thus far), it is estimated that there were over 5,000 patrons in attendance throughout the day. Pride goers of all ages browsed some 50 + booths ranging from LGBT organizations and non profits to religious groups, supportive businesses, as well as food vendors. The day was filled with entertainment, including our emcee for the day, Dieta Pepsi. The Gateway Men’s Chorus, making their Metro East Pride debut opened the festival with the National Anthem, and then moved on to delight the audience with several classics from ABBA. Audiences were also entertained by the talents of The Avery Hill Band, Kristen Goodman, Jen Norman, and Summer Osborne. Saint Louis Pride Board President, Ethan Barnett; Secretary, Matt Harper; STL Pride Parade Coordinator, Ellen Vanscoy; STL Pride Entertaiment Chair, Scott King and Volunteer Coordinator, Edd Cockrell were in attendance. We were pleased to have Audrey Pearson on site as well. Dieta Pepsi introduced the MEPSI royal court, Queen Sierra Mist and King Jes. The crowd enjoyed a performance from MEPSI King Jes, and we were fortunate to also be entertained by Miss Dieta Pepsi herself, as well as MEPSI supporters Olivia Demornay and Victoria Demornay.
At our awards presentation, the 2012 Brenda Grisson and Dixie Ruliffson Community Service Award was presented to Illinois State Representative Greg Harris, and was accepted by Caroline Staerk, Equality Illinois Field Director. The 2012 MEPSI Spirit Award was presented to Bobbi Nix. Special Recognitions were given to Terri Serwacki and Jan Flandreau for their undying support to MEPSI through the years – as well as Nelka “Nikki” Stowers in memory of her husband Don. The MEPSI Legacy Awards were presented to the Pride President and Vice President. They had served in their capacity for over 2 years and the board is grateful for their service. While the festival had to shut down a bit early due to inclement weather – all in all it was deemed a great success.
Metro East PrideFest 2013