About Savannah Pride

History of Savannah Pride
WITH THE CEILING OF SPANISH MOSS AND PEOPLE OF HOSPITALITY

Savannah has been called many things. It is even famous for many more things. From being the first city of The South, to being the location for countless movies and television shows-- Savannah has shown and reinvented herself more times than Cher... and that's a lot.

So, what better a place to have a celebration of diversity? The eclectic sides that Savannah offers its' residents and tourists is something unique, charming, and a little quirky. From the ceiling of Spanish moss, to the community of southern hospitality, Savannah gives rise to many types of people and environments. From country bars, to dancing night-clubs, Savannah is known for its' eclectic style and eccentric charisma.

This is when The First City Network realized something. With all her charm, charisma, and beauty, Savannah would be a prime place to hold an annual Pride Festival. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community would have an excellent location to celebrate and forget about the social constraints of the world-- even if for a day.

The 1st Annual Pride Festival was the initial concept by members of First City Network in 1999.

History of Savannah Pride Festivals
FESTIVALS OF THE PAST AND WHAT HAPPENED THAT YEAR

2000
The first Savannah Pride Festival was held September 2000, co-chaired by Carol Riles and Robert Jeffery. The newly formed Pride Board expected around 500 participants. To their surprise there were more than 2,000 in attendance of the Inaugural “Savannah Pride Fest”.

2001
While still learning the ropes to putting on a great festival, the Pride Board already had their eyes on the future:

"Our goal is to be as large as Atlanta's Pride, which draws 300,000", said Frances Sahr, chair of Pride 2001. "We're not prepared for that this year, but in future years, yes. Savannah is the Hostess City of the South, so what better place?"

The second festival was scheduled for September 14th, 2001… no one could have imagined the nightmare that would precede when 9/11 forever changed our world. Even with this tragedy, SP pressed on, and the people came in spite of the terrorist attack.

2002
2002 was the beginning of the snowball effect for Savannah Pride. Just one short year after 9/11 SP’s attendance doubled to a whopping 4,000.

2003
“Peace through Pride” was the theme for the 2003. While SP didn’t double this time, it did set a new record of 7,000 people. There was a steady stream of people all day long. As the time grew closer for the headline act, it was standing room only for Martha Wash’s performance.

2004
With the success of 2003, SP decided it was time to “Break Through” for 2004. And those words held true. It was non stop fun and celebration all day, right up to the last act. More than 12,000 people came from all over the south east to celebrate pride with the Savannah LGBT Community. Even the stars came out and shined on stage, with talents like RuPaul.

2005
Alive with pride was a smashing good year for Savannah Pride. The exposure of having pride on River Street was a major breakthough for the organization. Offering Two major headliners "Pepper Mashay and Kristine W." the crowd was widely accepting and dancing literally in the streets.

2006
This was the year that Savannah Pride decided to make a more intimate Pride in a new location. Pride was held in the Starland District with our hometown headliner "The Lady Chablis." The crowd enjoyed the local vendors, entertainment and friendships within our great community.

2007
Surging back with new energy and talents on the Savannah Pride Board. This years pride is gearing up to Unite the different sectors of our GLBT Community here in Savannah and the Coastal Empire. Uniting the young with the old, the black with the white and every other color under the rainbow we will have a true Unity Through Pride.