NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Julia Music, event director, Ferndale Pride, (248) 270-8353, julia@ferndalepride.com
May 16, 2023
Ferndale Pride offers its largest-ever street fair June 3
FERNDALE – Ferndale Pride will kick off Pride Month on Saturday, June 3.
Founded in 2011, the annual family friendly street fair runs from 12:30 to 10 p.m. and
draws thousands of members of the LGBTQAI community to celebrate diversity and
unity.
More than 200 vendors, as well as bands, disc jockeys and other performers, will converge on
downtown Ferndale for the street fair presented by LIV Cannabis Company. This year’s festival
footprint, the largest ever, includes West Nine Mile Road between Woodward Avenue and
Livernois Street, portions of Planavon and Allen streets near West Nine Mile, and portions of
parking lots near Planavon and West Nine Mile.
Fundraising efforts and sponsors have made it possible for the event to remain free to the
public.
The Children’s Area, sponsored by Blue Care Network of Michigan, will feature an area for
folks to play and create art projects. In addition, Genisys Credit Union is sponsoring a rock-
climbing wall.
New to the event this year is the Baby Feeding Area presented by Skilled Lactation and
Nature’s Playhouse. This area will have lactation experts available for breastfeeding and
chestfeeding assistance. In addition, electricity will be available for those who need to pump.
Also new is Reading with Royalty. Four of the area’s kindest drag queens and kings will be
reading in the children’s area. Readings are on the hour starting at 2 p.m. with the final reading
starting at 5 p.m. Royalty will be signing free bookmarks and encouraging youngsters to read.
Back again this year is Mark McMillan of McMillan Behavioral Health and Addiction Services,
collaborating with The Phoenix, to provide alcohol-free activities, harm reduction materials and
information about recovery.
Folks who need a space to find calm during the event should visit the Sensory Zone, presented
by Credit Union One in collaboration with Ferndale Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory
Commission. This area is a quiet area allowing folks who need a sensory break to have a space
to relax. This space will also allow guests to grab a fidget item and ear plugs.
Also at the event, Affirmations and Stand with Trans will host a free gender-affirming clothing
closet.
And Unified Health and Matrix Human Services MAC Health will provide STI and HIV testing.
Free parking with free SMART shuttle service running every 10 minutes from noon to 10:45
p.m. will be available at Ferndale High School, 881 Pinecrest Drive, and Gerry Kulick
Community Center, 1201 Livernois St. This service is open to all drivers, riders, cyclists,
wheelchair users and walkers. Shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps.
Proceeds from Ferndale Pride benefit Affirmations, Arab Community Center for Economic and
Social Services (ACCESS), Ferndale Community Foundation, Gender-identity Network Alliance
(GNA), Matrix Human Services MAC Health, TGDetroit and Transgender Michigan. Since its
inception, Ferndale Pride has donated $330,000 to charities.
Pre-pride events include:
● Through June 11, The Inheritance, The Ringwald Theatre inside Affirmations
Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road. Tickets: theringwald.com. Alcohol free.
● May 26 to 28, Techno Weekend, 215 West, 215 W. Nine Mile Road, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
● Wednesday, May 31, Interfaith Service: Finding Queer Joy, all ages, religions and
spiritual traditions welcome, Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, 7
p.m. Alcohol free. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted.
● Friday, June 2, Pre-Pride Patio Party, hourly events including a Pride Pooch and Pussy
Pageant, Bobcat Bonnie’s, 240 W. Nine Mile Road, 4 to 10 p.m.
● Saturday, June 3, Pride Brunch at various sponsors throughout Ferndale.
For Ferndale Pride’s main event, the street fair Saturday, June 3, vendors will line the streets
selling food, beverages and goods, as well as providing information. Numerous downtown
restaurants and merchants will provide promotions and specials.
Two outdoor stages will be turning out metro Detroit musical acts. The MKX Oils Dance Stage
will feature a special appearance by Lo Dazz, DJ Edward Alan, Dr. Erikk Raphael, Dr. Poppers,
Raedy Lex, Jace M and headliner Deanne. The Stella Rosa Performance Stage, hosted by
Bentley James, will feature an all-Michigan artist line up, including Joanna Sterling, Stephen
Leonard, AllDay Monday, Kirby Lashae, New Comers Drag Show, Motor City Drag Kings
Drag Show and Baddie Brooks, as well as this year’s headliner – Nervous But Excited.
Events Saturday, June 3, include:
● 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, open to the
public.
● 10 a.m. to noon – SMART Recovery, Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. Nine
Mile Road.
● Noon to 2 a.m. – Ferndale Elks #1588, 22856 Woodward Ave., open to the public.
● 12:30 p.m. – Opening ceremony at Stella Rosa Performance Stage. American Sign
Language (ASL) interpreted.
● 1 to 5 p.m. – Free sexual health screenings by Unified Health at Affirmations Community
Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road.
● 1 to 6 p.m. – Blue Care Network of Michigan Children’s Area open.
● 1 to 6 p.m. – Skilled Lactation and Nature’s Playhouse’s Baby Feeding Area open.
● 1 to 6 p.m. – Genisys Credit Union Climbing Wall open.
● 1 to 8 p.m. – Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC Recovery Education Area open with
activities presented by The Phoenix.
● 1 to 8 p.m. – Vibe Credit Union presents the Canine Companion Animal Adoption area.
● 1 to 8 p.m. (and as late as 10 p.m.) – Vendors open.
● 1:30 to 3 p.m. – AA Brownbaggers, Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile
Road.
● 2 to 6 p.m. – Reading with Royalty drag queen and king story time, Children’s Area
across from the Stella Rosa Performance Stage. Hourly readings start at 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
● 2 to 10 p.m. – MKX Oils Dance Stage open.
● 2 to 10 p.m. – Bobcat Bonnie’s drag performances, 240 W. Nine Mile Road.
● 8 to 8:45 p.m. – MotorCity Casino Hotel presents Nervous But Excited at the Stella Rosa
Performance Stage.
● 8 to 10 p.m. – CircutMOM and THOTS & Prayers present DJ Deanne at the MKX Oils
Dance Stage.
● 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Thots and Prayers & CircutMOM present GSP and Joshua Ruiz
Afterparty, Olympus Theater, 940 W. McNichols Road, Detroit. Ticketed event for ages
21 and older.
● 10 p.m. – Entertainment ends at MKX Oils Dance Stage and Stella Rosa Performance
Stage.
● 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Sponsoring bars and restaurants continue the Ferndale Pride
celebration.
Ferndale Pride is made possible by sponsors, including LIV Cannabis Company, Stella Rosa,
MKX Oils, Ferndale Project, MotorCity Casino Hotel, THOTs & Prayers and CircuitMOM.
For a complete listing of events, or for details on sponsorship or how to volunteer, visit
www.ferndalepride.com
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ferndale Pride’s street festival is postponed until October 2 but there are lots of great events going on throughout June to support the LGBTQAI+ community and help Ferndale Pride raise funds for its annual festival and charity contributions.
Throughout June Western Market will round up for Pride. Say, “yes” to rounding up and the cashier makes your contribution. All funds raised will go directly back to Ferndale Pride. Western Market is located at 447 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale.
Ferndale Project has an entire month of events lined up for pride. Events kick off on Wednesday June 2. Each Wednesday Ferndale Project will hold pride-themed events, focusing on inclusion, family, and all things queer. Celebrate June 5th when guest bartenders take over to pour Ferndale Proud a beer specially made for Ferndale Pride. Beer can be purchased and delivered through the Peddler at www.peddler.delivery for curbside pickup or can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio. Throughout the month Ferndale Project’s art gallery will feature works by out and proud artists. Wednesday, June 23 Ferndale Project will host an Artist Showcase featuring LGBTQ artists. On June 27th a drag brunch will take over the patio 11am-1pm. On June 29th Ferndale Project’s book club will discuss the book Juliet Take a Breath by Gabby Rivera at 6:30 pm. Special pride merch will be available for purchase on Peddler and at Ferndale Project. Ferndale Project is located at 567 Livernois, Ferndale. For information on making online purchases, tickets to the drag show and more check out their website at: Check out the Ferndale Project website at: https://www.ferndaleproject.com/
Also this June B. Nektar taproom will donate 100% of tips to Ferndale Pride. Miranda Johnson of B. Nektar said, “we are a gratuity free Taproom because when relying on tips as your main source of income, a slow night means little pay. So we decided to change that and take care of our employees. We offer a living wage to our staff, paid time off, and health benefits! Any “tips” that we do get go to a charity of our staff’s choosing and we love supporting local charities and groups! With June being Pride month and being involved as a sponsor and vendor at the Ferndale Pride festivals over the years, it is an automatic fit for all gratuity to go to Ferndale Pride! The B. Nektar Taproom will always be a safe space of support and kindness for Everyone. Supporting our staff and our community is a top priority of B. Nektar!” B. Nektar is located at 1511 Jarvis, Ferndale.
Modern Natural Baby will send some love to Pride by giving back with a donation for every purchase of a stuffed rainbow or unicorn through their website or from in person sales. Send your favorite LGBTQ+ folks a cuddly reminder that they are loved. “We love participating in Ferndale Pride and are excited to help spread pride throughout the community by offering the Rainbows and Unicorn fundraiser. Modern Natural Baby carries LGBTQ+ inclusive literature as well as products to help all type of families nurture their children’s growth.” Visit Modern Natual Baby at 200 W. Nine Mile or online at https://www.modernnaturalbaby.com/
AR Workshop will have Pride DIY kits to go. Activate your inner artist by grabbing a kit and creating a craft project at home. 15% of proceeds will be donated to Ferndale Pride. AR Workshop is located at 207 E 9 Mile Rd Ferndale or order online https://www.arworkshop.com/ferndale/
Small business owner Megan Matthew will be contributing $3 from every rainbow item sold to Ferndale Pride. Find her rainbow gear on her Etsy shop at megsthreadsdetroit.com
On June 16th from 5-8 pm a book swap will be held at Geary Park in Ferndale. The swap is free. Donations to Ferndale Pride will be accepted. Geary Park is located at 1198 Earle Blvd, Ferndale.
Ferndale Pride’s Executive Director, Julia Music said, “It’s an understatement to say this has been a rough year for us. We are still focused on making sure the community has safe events to participate in. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and business partners for continuing to support us so we can continue to plan the festival and raise funds for our local charities. We are also looking forward to seeing folks at our live small events leading up to the festival.”
For more information about events, sponsorship, entertainment and more please follow Ferndale Pride at www.ferndalepride.com, FB: @Ferndapride or IG:@FerndalePride.
