In a first-ever collaboration with an outside organization, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Business Outreach produced Pride Day at Busch Gardens on July 10. Although the day was soggy, the attendance was large and enthusiastic.
HRBOR president Rachel Anderson said, “This was first for any of the Seaworld parks anywhere, and we were proud and excited that they asked us to help bring this event to reality.”
HRBOR’s Events Committee worked with Busch Gardens for several months to line up a stellear line and local and national LGBTQ+ entertainers. The day opened with a mini music festival at the Royal Palace Theater featuring local favorites The Storyweavers, Rachel and the Jellycats, and DEJA. Performances were repeated in the evening with the addition of national recording musician Eric Himan from Tulsa.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Warner and The Drag Queens that Slay (Harpy Daniels, Sabrina Lawrence, and Hershae Chocolatae) rocked the nearby Abbeystone Theater with three separate high energy drag shows that had the audience on their feet.
In the evening, local LGBTQ comics Paul “Buc” Gittens, Matthew Parson, Danielle the Diva, Just Sonya, and Catash closed out the festivities.
Photos: Eric Hause, Andrew Roberts, Charles Ford, Harpy Daniels, Jennifer Warner, Paul Gittens, The Storyweavers, and Rachel and the Jellycats.
