On Saturday October 3rd, the Winchester Pride + Inclusion Festival will return to Depot Street. Building on the success of last year’s festival with approximately 1000 attendees, local festival organizers at A Life Worth Celebrating are gearing up for an even bigger turnout this year with support from Humanists of Winchester and Emmanuel Episcopal Church. This year’s theme “The Story of US” is exemplified by a large roster of community outreach groups, local nonprofits, artists, crafters, and performers. The goal is simple, a free day of fun where every attendee feels welcome to add their page to Winchester’s storybook.

“This year we are really focused on the local aspect, telling our stories, sharing our talents, and exemplifying the best Clark County, and our neighbors, have to offer,” stated Ned Butler Royse, President + Policy Director for A Life Worth Celebrating. This year’s festival includes more women-led organizations and women-owned businesses than prior years.

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“We are making sure this free festival is a worthwhile and fulfilling experience for everyone. Assuring folks have safe access to community resources, wellness, and mental health providers is just as important as putting on a good show or supporting our local businesses. We do our best when we are all given the opportunity to thrive.” Ned Butler Royse added.

Many local businesses also plan to show their pride for our town. Specials at Abettor Brewing, Tacos Luna y Mas, and The Crystal Coven are already in the works. Other businesses are also interested in expanding the party across the weekend. A successful tourism boom was created by last year’s festival, where almost 20% of attendees came from out of town, many visiting for the first time. When polled, the majority of businesses on Main Street and Lexington Rd saw an uptick in sales, new customers, and more foot traffic than usual thanks to the draw from last year’s Winchester Pride + Inclusion Festival.

“The festival is a huge value add for Downtown Winchester, especially for folks who don’t see themselves or their culture reflected in other gatherings around town. We are creating a space that is interactive, inspiring, and safe for all who want to join in the fun. We took the feedback from last year and built upon our existing plans to add more comfort and accessibility to the festival. You can dance or just sit back and enjoy the performances. Either way, we want you to feel included and know you belong here right here in Winchester.” Ned added, in reference to the expanded reach of this year’s event.

With respect to self-care and wellness, Kurma Yoga will be hosting a free community yoga class for all ages and aptitudes at 10am under the awning on Depot Street, preceding the festival setup. Later in the day, over a dozen local outreach groups will have booths focused on sharing resources. A Life Worth Celebrating plans to continue to grow the festival in this direction year over year, citing that cost should never be a barrier to entry for this festival.

Beginning at 2pm, The All Over Crafter will host a DIY button making station and Flash and Flourish Photography will have a photobooth available to capture the magic. First time vendor The Cookie Jukebox and returning coffee master Morning Glow Coffee will join other food trucks to showcase their culinary talents. This is also the first year the festival will host an outdoor art gallery, featuring the visual media of local artist Jeffery Hale as well as a community art project.

This year’s performances begin at 2:10pm including three variety shows plus the music stylings of Queen Aster, He’s Dead Jim, and Unky Bones. There will also be a community speaker session led by former KY Teacher of the Year and local author Willie Carver Jr, with additional speakers and dance parties throughout the day.

For those interested in attending, be sure to RSVP to the event and follow A Life Worth Celebrating on social media for updates. To savor the best experience, attendees are encouraged to come to yoga under the awning at 10am, explore Downtown Winchester, and then join the party at 2pm when the Festival opens on Depot Street!