It is with a heavy heart that I announce Family Fest will not be taking place this year. The main reason is the extreme increase in costs to hold the event at Mooney Grove or at a new venue. Also, for the first time since the events inception four years ago, Gay Central Valley opted to no longer be the events main sponsor, or any sponsor for that matter. Their decision, along with city/planning issues, means the south valley will go without our only Pride event. I would like to take this time to thank everyone who attended, supported and rallied behind my festival in the past. I had no idea it would grow into the magnificent event that it did. Thank you!
My final announcement is: As of now, I have left my roll as being “Gay Visalia”. Please know my decision has nothing to do with the organization. I believe whole-heartedly in the work we’ve done and they will continue to do in their respective cities, a true valley wide effort.
As I type these words through the tears, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished during the past 5+ years and what we have accomplished together. I have watched our community grow tremendously and I take pride knowing I had a hand in that. Thank you to everyone who has made a difference. I especially want to thank Jason Scott. At his urging, I wrote my first article almost 6 years ago about the candlelight march we had after losing Prop. 8. Who knew that insignificant article would have turned into all of this? But knowing Jason, he did. Thank you for being the man behind the curtain always pushing for the betterment of this valley. Thank you for the opportunity. You will always be the Charlie to this Angel.
As this chapter of my life closes, I am thankful for the memories, not so much for the scars. I look into my future with childlike excitement as the next leg of my journey begins.
As always and in time, I’m sure I’ll…
See you OUT & about!
~B