The San Francisco Pride Band’s rousing rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” just after noon on Saturday, October 11, was the first indication of the excitement to follow during the fourth annual Alameda Pride in the Park. Hundreds of Alameda residents and community members from near and far descended upon Chochenyo Park to participate in the afternoon of festivities, which included performances by dancers and drag artists, booths staffed by vendors and organizations, and speeches from local dignitaries.
The event kicked off with a few words from Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and several Councilmembers, Alameda Unified School District Board Members, and local politicians. Ashcraft emphasized the importance of the event, particularly given the current climate and discourse surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.
Photos by Anne Kohler.
“In today’s current and alarming political landscape, Pride in the Park is especially meaningful because we celebrate October as LGBTQ+ History Month,” said Ashcraft…