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Mid-Missouri PrideFest is back for another year, aiming to celebrate the bonds already present and those yet possible between those in the area’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally community. There will be family-friendly entertainment in a variety of genres, thought- and action-provoking exhibits and a wealth of opportunities to interact with other festival-goers. PrideFest takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, and all events are free and open to the public. Events listed below take place at the PrideFest main stage, in the Bengal’s Bar and Grill parking lot at Sixth and Elm Streets, unless noted.
11:15 a.m. Gayest Dog Contest — Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be awarded to the most festive Fido at this wildly popular annual event.
12:15 p.m. Pride Idol — Local musicians put their best on display, competing for the festival’s crown.
2 p.m. Summer Osborne — The St. Louis-based singer-songwriter, who has described her music as a “Venn diagram where folk soul, acoustic rock and piano pop intersect,” plays a set.
2 p.m. Interfaith service at Peace Park
3 p.m. Violet Vonder Haar — The local singer-songwriter has played her winsome, thoughtful brand of folk in a variety of contexts and concerts. Born in Lupus, Vonder Haar’s deep connection to the area rings through in each word she sings and note she plays, yet there is a universality to the rich manner in which she explores themes of love, community and walking in the world.
4 p.m. Tom Goss — Washington, D.C.-based singer-songwriter Goss has a gentle sensibility and a tremendous grasp of pop songcraft. His work has been compared to that of Matt Nathanson, Jason Mraz and Lee DeWyze. His online bio describes him as “a unique voice among gay singer-songwriters — a former Catholic seminarian turned guitar-toting troubadour whose heartfelt lyrics, hooky melodies and quirky charm have earned him a dedicated national following.”
5:30 p.m. Downtown Upstage Drag Show featuring Draq Queen Mahajanay DeMornay and Drag King Deaunte Deveraux
Throughout the day, DJs Jen Ha and Lil Shorty will keep the music going. There will be more than 30 booths present along Sixth and Elm streets, with participants ranging from artists to organizations dealing with social concerns, local businesses to congregations. Visit midmopride.com for more details.
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