Sandusky Pride returning with concerts

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Pride is returning this year for its fifth year with an additional concert series Sunday. The event will run from June 24-26 in downtown Sandusky at the Schade-Mylander Plaza. Wives and co-organizers of Sandusky Pride, Robin and Nikki Lloyd, said they're excited for this year. Pride — a celebration of love, unity and equality — will offer multiple vendors, food trucks, music, entertainment and fun for all. All events are free to the community. "This is about acceptance and equality. And when you have so many injustices in the world, it's nice to have a place, a moment in time so people can come and embrace each other for exactly who they are," Robin said. "The goal is to unify, to keep our community together, to stand strong and to give people a place to go." Pride is also a community event, including the majority of local businesses that sponsor the event each year. Most are within walking distance from the festival. It's also supported by the city of Sandusky. "It's very important to take a moment to celebrate life," Robin said. "We're focused on just bringing everyone together and unifying our own community with as big of a reach as we can possibly get throughout the state of Ohio." Robin said her goal is to put on the biggest Pride celebration in the state, as Sandusky is officially considered the birthplace of marriage equality. "Pride is important in every single city, every single state and for every single person. It's just nice to be able to be supported by the city of Sandusky, who has been fantastic and phenomenal," Robin said. "The foundations within the city of Sandusky have been absolutely amazingly supportive. To me, there is no greater city to have Pride in than Sandusky, Ohio, because this is a forward progressing community." Looking at the schedule Friday, June 24, will kick off the three-day festival at 2 p.m. with music, shows and performance competitions on the main stage until 11 p.m. Amber Stone is also returning to host Pride. "We've also got some other things in the works, some little aces up our sleeves," Robin said. "We can't give too much away yet." At noon on Saturday, the Sandusky Pride Parade will return for the first time since 2019. The main stage will have a rotating group of over-the-top live performances, from live bands to all-star drag performers, including ShaVazz the Weirdo featuring DJ Chosen. From 10 p.m. to midnight Saturday night, a downtown block party at the main stage will take place with DJ Sammijo and light performers. "ShaVazz the Weirdo is a Sandusky native busting his tail right now, climbing the charts in the U.K.," Robin said. "We also are bringing back the big downtown dance block party, which everybody loves." On the final day of Pride, Sunday will be celebrated with a concert, beginning at 3 p.m. The Sunday concert will feature Dianna Chittester, Ohio's own singer-songwriter; Sophie B. Hawkins, a legendary LGBTQ pioneer; and renowned performer Paula Cole. Hawkins is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her initial debut album. "She's just a powerhouse, and then there's Paula Cole," Robin said. "Paula Cole is a Grammy Award winner and a seven-time nominee. She is huge for the LGBTQ community." Chittester, Robin said, has performed at Sandusky Pride before and was named the area's top singer-songwriter. Cole recently released a statement regarding Sandusky Pride. "I am thrilled and honored to headline the Sandusky, OH PrideFest Downtown this June 26," the statement said. "Thank you, always, for your love and support. I look forward to standing with my #lgbt community, and connecting with my Ohio folks with tremendous #pride." Vendors, food trucks and merchandise tents will open earlier than the main stage on Sunday. "There's a lot of things left to come and to be announced," Robin said. "We just want everybody to come down and have a good time." For more information, to donate and keep up with announcements, visit Sandusky Pride's Facebook page.