The new year is upon us and we're writing to say a huge THANK YOU to you for supporting Columbiana County Pride. We know it was a big leap of faith for our community to support this fledgling event and community organization, and we are truly grateful for every ounce of support that made our first year such a smashing success. We showed that rural Ohio wants and needs Pride just like everywhere else -- maybe even more so.
Yes, this year we put together the first ever Columbiana County Pride festival, and fought for our right to do so in some heated village meetings: special thanks to folx who came out for that! And it was worth it! What a joy to see many hundreds of neighbors in their beautiful diversity, all smiling and enjoying a wonderful Pride event packed full of entertainment, education, and comradery.
As an org, we also marched in our sibling Pride in the Valley's parade, did an awesome back to school fundraiser, a fun trunk or treat, co-sponsored an important screening and talk on being faith-based ally, and walked the East Liverpool Christmas Parade. All these events brought much needed visibility and community building among our local LGBTQIA+ fam. If there are events like this you'd like us to be part of in 2024 - please reach out [email protected]
And we're on to 2024! We're excited to announce our Save the Date: July 20th, 2024 will be our next Columbiana County Pride! Early next year we'll send out an email with details about getting involved, but for now - put it on the calendar, and spread the news!
Thank you for all you do to lift up the LGBTQIA+ community in our area -- we truly appreciate the importance of this work in making our spaces safer, more affirming, and inclusive for the wealth of our diversity.
Happy new year to you and yours! The Columbiana County Pride organizers
