GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Pride Month is starting strong with a march and community picnic in Gatlinburg. A Sevier County LGBTQ+ group is helping organize the events, encouraging people across the community to join in the fun.
It starts at 4:30 p.m. on June 2 with a march. The group is gathering below the lower plaza of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, near the Gatlinburg Trolley Office. It will kick off from there and participants will march on the sidewalk, up to near the entrance to Ober Gatlinburg, before crossing the street and marching down on the other side.
Participants are encouraged to bring their Pride gear like flags, posters and signs. However, the group is not allowed to use noise amplifiers or light-emitting devices. Participants also need to stay off the road, organizers said.
Immediately after the march, at 6:30 p.m., people are encouraged to head to Mynatt Park Pavillion the Gatlinburg Pride Picnic. The park is at 634 Asbury Lane, and the event is effectively a community cookout. People are encouraged to bring dishes, drinks, chips, desserts and ice. The park also has grills available for use.
The group behind the march and Pride picnic is also organizing a variety of other events during Pride Month. They include a June Movie Night, starting at 6 p.m. on June 27 at the King Family Library. The library is at 408 High Street.
People are also encouraged to head to the Books-A-Million store located at 190 Coller Drive on June 13 for a monthly meetup, and a meet-and-greet with a state House of Representatives candidate.
On June 14, auditions for the group's Virtual Variety Show will also open. There are only 15 performance slots, so anyone interested in participating in the variety show should show off their best talents! The show will be on Aug. 17.
