LGBT Celebration in Madison: Highlights of Upcoming "Wisconsin Capitol Pride" Weekend, August 14th, 15th, and 16th, 2009

Click to Listen to Archived Show


On the August 9, 2009 Forward Forum

We're joined by Scott Willems (Senior Co-Chair), Maria Parker (Junior Co-Chair), and Kelley Richardt (Treasurer) from the Wisconsin Capitol Pride Committee, who tell us:

"Wisconsin Capitol Pride (WCP) is proud to announce that the 2009 Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th on Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center.

"The Pride Festival will celebrate the diverse LGBT community in Dane County and Greater Wisconsin and will feature various events ranging from live concerts, to contests and family-oriented activities. Wisconsin Capitol Pride has embarked on an aggressive $25,000 fundraising campaign to fund the event.

"The 2009 Pride Festival, which will commence on Saturday, August 15th from 2 – 9 pm, will feature a performance by comedienne Vickie Shaw (pictured at right) and other local acts. Admission will be $5.

"The focal point of Sunday, August 16th activities will be a pride parade, beginning at 1 pm that will circle Madison’s Capital Square, starting at Café Montmarte and ending at the corner of Pinckney St. and East Washington Avenue. The parade will be followed by a community picnic celebration at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center from 2 – 7 pm.

Family friendly activities and performances by local groups and organizations will be the focus of the day’s events. Admission on Sunday will be free, however Wisconsin Capital Pride will be asking for donations."

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Madison's first major pride march, which was organized by the Gay and Lesbian Visibility Alliance (GALVAnize), and these events also carry on festival traditions begun under the auspices of the MAGIC Picnic. (See details in this Wikipedia article on Madison LGBT Pride traditions.)

See the webpage of Wisconsin Capitol Pride for the full list of this year's pride committee, sponsors, and the complete list of events.

Pictured below: Two of our three guests, Kelley Richardt and Maria Parker. Not pictured: Scott Willems.



Map below: Willow Island (circled) is located adjacent to the Dane County Coliseum, on the grounds of the Alliant Energy Center, just off of John Nolen Drive, and its intersection with the Beltline. Click on image to enlarge map.