Ames Pride started its annual Pridefest Saturday with the help and support of the Ames Public Library, Collegiate United Methodist Church and Discover Ames.
The event had a plethora of activities for guests to attend, including a vendor fair, drag performances, a relaxation room and storytelling.
“My oldest is six and identifies as a trans-female,” Ames resident Jessica Huennekens said. “We are here to say, ‘You are exactly who you are meant to be. Your parents love you, but also your community loves you.’”
Huennekens attended the vendor fair wearing a sparkly rainbow tutu, courtesy of her oldest daughter.
During the vendor fair, guests could find food trucks, sexual health resources, churches, small businesses and queer support groups tabling at the event. While guests perused the selection of vendors, they could enjoy live drag performances on the outdoor stage.
“We go to all the Pridefests,” Amanda Hernandez, an employee of Triple B Boutique, said. “We have a lot of family members that are a part of the pride community. We’re out here not only supporting our business but supporting our family members as well.”
During the vendor fair, Triple B had an array of pride-related memorabilia for sale in their traveling boutique trailer.
Andrew Biederman, a stunt stormtrooper for the Pride Squadron, could be seen walking the event, taking pictures with guests. His stormtrooper uniform, usually white, was covered in rainbow-colored tape for the occasion.
“I am a member of the unofficial First Legion,” Biederman said. “Normally I’m not taped up, but for Pride I am. I’m just here adding a little festivity to Pridefest. I’m [especially excited] for the imperial high fives and fist bumps.”
After the vendor fair, guests could attend a plant party hosted by Back Alley Plants, a craft session, a queer happy hour and a selection of drag performances.
The night ended at 8 p.m. when the post-Pride events simmered down.
“Since our founding in 2017, Ames Pride has been planning and organizing events that bring the queer community together in Ames,” according to the Ames Pride website. “We’re here to build opportunities to socialize, learn, and make positive change for LGBTQIA+ people.”
For more information on Ames Pride, visit their website or Instagram page.
