Atlanta Pride Announces Grand Marshals, Kickoff Party Details
The Atlanta Pride Committee (APC) is pleased to announce that the Official Kickoff Party will return to the Georgia Aquarium in 2017. This perennial event that kicks of the Festival weekend, is scheduled for Friday, October 13 in its regular slot launching the Southeast's largest Pride Festival, happening October 14-15.
Atlanta Pride Executive Director, Jamie Fergerson, noted, "The Atlanta Pride Committee and the Georgia Aquarium established a relationship eight years ago, and we are so excited to continue building on that relationship that brings us this great event each year."
Fergerson continued, "The Official Kickoff Party is a lovely way to showcase one of Atlanta's most beautiful attractions to our out of town attendees and hometown guests alike."
"Georgia Aquarium is thrilled to once again be hosting the Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party on October 13, 2017. This is the ninth year we've been the premier venue for this fantastic event," said Will Ramsey, vice president of sales for Georgia Aquarium. He continued, "We look forward to welcoming the LGBTQ community, family members, friends, loved ones, past attendees, and first-time visitors to begin the weekend of Atlanta Pride festivities. Georgia Aquarium is proud to celebrate and support diversity, and the Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party is just one way to show our support of the LGBTQ community. We can't wait to celebrate Atlanta Pride!"
As always, the Aquarium team has lined up an impressive offering of entertainment for attendees, including Orlando based DJ Edil Hernandez, whose energetic beats have been featured in celebrity work outs and clubs all over the US and Puerto Rico. DJ Joy Zeb will be in town from New York City and ready to add his unique spin on the Kickoff Party this year as well.
The APC also announce that the 2017 Atlanta Parade Grand Marshals have been selected. The Grand Marshals are comprised of individuals and organizations residing or based in Georgia who are recognized for their outstanding working advancing LGBTQ equality in the metro Atlanta area and across all of Georgia.
The 201 Atlanta Pride Parade Grand Marshals are:
Jamie Fergerson said, "We are excited to introduce this year's slate of Grand Marshals! Our expanded selection process that we have followed for almost a decade now, allows us to recognize the people and organizations who have made and are making extraordinary contributions to the Atlanta LGBTQ community."
Fergerson continued, "The Atlanta Pride Committee has a mandate to capture and compliment the wide range of diverse activists among us. We strongly believe that we have done that again this year."
She noted, "I would encourage everyone to take some time to get to know these honorees and their work. It is a testament to how much is being done all over our wonderfully diverse community. The APC is so proud to be able to bring a small amount of attention to their efforts by giving them a place of honor and asking them to lead our 2017 Parade."
The Official Kick Off Party takes place from 7pm to 11:30 pm. Tickets are $30 for General Admission in advance and $40 at the door (if available) or $90 for Lounge tickets. Tickets to the Official Kickoff Party are available at http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/atlantapride
About Atlanta Pride
OUR VISION: We envision a world where persons with widely diverse gender and sexual identities are united, visible and equal.
OUR PURPOSE: The main purpose of the Atlanta Pride Committee, a 501�(3) organization, is to advance unity, visibility and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender and queer persons and to promote a positive image in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeastern United States through community activities and services.
OUR MISSION: The mission of the Atlanta Pride Committee is to advance unity, visibility, and wellness among persons with widely diverse gender and sexual identities through cultural, social, political and educational programs and activities.
OUR VALUES: We value social justice, culture, self-esteem, history, health and wellness.
Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's most magical aquariums, featuring one of the largest single aquarium habitats in the world and more aquatic life than any other aquarium in North America. A not-for-profit organization, Georgia Aquarium is dedicated to global leadership in research and conservation programs mirroring the unique and amazing animals within the facility. Since its founding, Georgia Aquarium has been committed to educating and inspiring current and future generations through respectful display and conservation of marine mammals and many other aquatic species.
Aquarium staff, volunteers and partners are positively impacting the future of our aquatic world by ensuring that guests learn and care about extraordinary animal ambassadors, while hopefully becoming advocates on their behalf.
The six distinct galleries and more than 60 exhibits within Georgia Aquarium depict different aquatic habitats, ranging from arctic to tropical waters, and feature an expansive collection of aquatic animals.
Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c) 3 organization, and we rely on community support to fund our special programs including education and veterinary services.