It's finally here!
Tomorrow is the first ENC Pride Festival (presented by Belk)! Join us at Pearson Park in Kinston, NC for this free, family friendly event.
Everything kicks off at 11am and goes until 6pm. Followed by the Official ENC Pride After Party!
What to expect:
What to bring:
- Water bottles – Stay hydrated.
- Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun.
- Blankets/chairs – we encourage you to bring something to sit on to enjoy the entertainment at the park. Some seating will be available, but not guaranteed.
- Friends and family – Everyone is welcome to ENC Pride Festival 2022 (presented by Belk). This festival is free and family friendly.
- A light jacket.
- Cash or cards – to support the vendors and food trucks.
- Dollar bills - if you plan on tipping any performers.
Please don’t bring:
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A note from ENC Pride Board President Austin Moore on the possibility of protestors this weekend...
One day, we will be able to have an event celebrating our culture uninterrupted by protestors. Unfortunately, on Saturday we could be met with hateful people that want to intimidate us, but we will not be intimidated!
If you encounter any protests this Saturday, keep smiling and have a good time!
A group of retired Marines will be on site encouraging you to walk past them peacefully and enter the festival safely. Let’s not escalate anything with the protestors if they come. The best you can do is walk past them and ignore them. I encourage you to not interact with them at all.
A couple of tips from RJ Johnson of the Anchorage Press:
- Don’t pay attention to them. They are there to get attention from you and ruin your day. Why would you give them what they want?
- Do not debate theological matters with them. They aren’t going to listen to you. Even if you are correct, you will not win.
- Don’t try and get close to them. While most protestors at Pride are harmless, we never know if there will be a loose cannon.
- Don’t yell back at them. Basically, this means angrier sounds, and that again ruins everyone’s good time. When people are yelling angrily, it does not matter what the words are, it’s still anger.
- If you find yourself in a situation that you cannot get out of, if someone is in your face, if you are cornered, use the most magic words that we have... “I DO NOT CONSENT. PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE” as loud as you can. The word consent is powerful and will get attention.
- Don’t allow them to dominate your conversations for the rest of your day. Yes, you will need time and a safe space to process it. Yes, you can be hurt and angry. Take that time, then get back to the party.
- Remember, you won’t win any discussion you try to have with them. Don’t have one. Don’t point out the flaws in their reasoning. They are protesting happiness and love.
You are safe! We will have security all day at the festival. If you see or hear something you think security should be aware of, say something! Find a police officer, an ENC Pride volunteer or text your concern to (252) 549-0408. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Let’s have a good time and enjoy the positivity and LOVE that ENC Pride is all about.
We look forward to seeing you Saturday from 11am - 6pm at Pearson Park in Kinston to celebrate LGBT History month at ENC Pride Festival (Presented by Belk).
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We encourage you to check out these Kinston businesses that have supported us while you're in town!
- Belk – Retail Store (Short Driving Distance)
Open tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Come visit Belk of Kinston, NC! Belk is where customers shop for their Saturday night outfit, the perfect Sunday dress, and where family and community matter most. But Belk is more than shopping – it’s where you find your own unique way to express who you are. It’s where great style lives. Shop Belk in Kinston and online to find an assortment of national brands and private-label fashion, shoes and accessories for the entire family, along with top-name cosmetics, a wedding registry, home essentials and décor.
Located 2 miles from the festival: 800 Hardee Rd, Kinston, NC 28504
- The Herritage – Taproom and Bar (Walking Distance)
Open tomorrow from 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM.
The Herritage is hosting the Official ENC Pride Festival After Party (click here for tickets) starting at 7:00 PM.
The Herritage offers a full bar, domestic and craft beers with a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Located 0.2 miles from the festival: 127 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501
- Mother Earth Brewing - Taproom (Walking Distance)
Open tomorrow from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Enjoy local craft brews and seltzers with a cool and trendy atmosphere!
Located 0.2 miles from the festival: 311 N Herritage St, Kinston, NC 28501
- The Office - Bar and Venue (Walking Distance)
Open tomorrow from 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM.
The Office offers a full bar, domestic and craft beers with a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Located 0.1 miles from the festival: 220 N Herritage St, Kinston, NC 28501
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We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
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