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 reinveted 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 quarky. 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 excellant 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.

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Information About This Year's Pride
A BRIEF FA ABOUT THIS YEAR'S PRIDE

1. What is the Savannah Pride Festival?
The Savannah PRIDE Festival is an annual event held to provide lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans-gendered persons and their allies with cultural and educational programs and activities.  The annual Pride Celebration promotes a forum for entertainers and vendors, to educate and celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gendered persons and allies in Savannah. 

2. When & Where is Savannah Pride?
Historic Downtown Savannah Georgia, in Johnson Square (bank square.)

3.  Festival Hours:
Saturday, September 15th 11-9

4.  Admission is FREE!
Donations are encouraged, so look for designated donation collectors at the festival and help us keep Pride's event admission free.

5. Alcoholic Beverages
Sold within the festival grounds - you must present proper ID to purchase these beverages. Regulations require that alcoholic beverages purchased at the event remain on-site. Event security will ask you to dispose of any alcoholic beverages before you exit the festival grounds.

6. ATM Locations
To be announced.

7. Bottles, Cans, Coolers Policy
Bringing outside beverages, coolers or food into the festival grounds is not allowed.

8. First Aid
Available on-site. Qualified medical personnel will assist you. If you are feeling ill, or get injured, please seek help at one of these locations.

9. Lost Children / Lost & Found
We do not operate a lost and found service. Lost children should be taken to the stage and every effort will be made to locate the child's parent or guardian.

10. Pride Stores
Official Pride merchandise will be sold at the festival. A portion of the proceeds from Official Pride merchandise sales goes back to the Savannah Pride Board.

11. Rules to Abide by While Attending Pride
Attendees must follow the rules of that of the Savannah Pride Festival, and the Savannah Riverstreet Association.  Attendees should follow the laws of the City of Savannah, the County of Chatham, the State of Georgia, and the United States Government.  Violators will be asked to leave the premises.  Unauthorized vendors are prohibited from selling or giving away items, conducting surveys or solicitations while on the festival grounds. The Savannah Pride Board, as the event organizer, reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the reasonable policies established for public safety or to restrict activities such as public address to designated areas.

12. Volunteers
If you can volunteer 4 hours of your time while attending Pride, we'd appreciate it! The Volunteer Check-In tent is located at the entrance of Pride. Please check in prior to working your volunteer shift.

13. Hearing Impaired Attendees
The Savannah Pride Organization is proud to offer Sign Language for stage performances, and speakers.

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Past 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 Savananh 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.