Downey allocates $25,000 to two-day Pride festival

Councilmembers pose with Supervisor Janice Hahn at last year’s Pride Family Picnic. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY - The city of Downey is committing $25,000 to this year’s Pride Festival.

Downey’s first Pride Family Picnic was held last year.

“It was a successful event; I think all of us attended,” said Councilman Mario Trujillo. “[It was] well received by the community, very family focused, youth-oriented I’m happy to say.”

The allocated funds will be drawn from the city’s General Fund reserve account.

This year’s Pride Festival will span over two days, Aug. 12-13.

The first day will feature the Downey Pride Sunset Festival, held in the downtown area on Downey Avenue between 2nd and 4th Streets. Similar in layout to Downey’s International Food and Music Festival, this event will be more adult-focused and include food vendors, entertainment, a beer garden, and other activities.

The second event, the Pride Family Picnic, will return to Furman Park with a similar layout in a larger footprint. It will feature a main stage with various entertainment and guest speakers, information booths, free food, kids’ activities, photo booths, and an art component. The Pride Family Picnic will be more directed at Downey youth and families.

Both days will be free to attend.

The event aims to bring awareness, support, and resource information regarding issues of substance abuse and mental health, particularly to the city’s LGTBQ youth.

As in the previous year, the event will have significant support from Supervisor Janice Hahn, who will cover the cost of security and police personnel and donate several logistical components. The event is also once again being planned and coordinated by the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.