Nashville Pride 2000 A Look Back after 20 Years

Jim Robert

We were all up very late the night before the Festival making and painting props and signs. Now this was before there were monies allocated for an event of this size. Everyone brought their own tables and portable tents, if they wanted shade! And even stage supports or scaffolding were made by a small group of devoted volunteers. In fact, our security guards for the event were two dedicated women!

It was the first time the event was held at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. And back then, that was a big deal! I remember when Gary Stewart and I met Pam Wheeler, Keith Hinkle, and Matthew Strader at the location, as Pam laid out her plans for the event.

Gary and I took on the job of putting together a silent auction to bring in revenue for the event. We even had a Doggie Dress Up Contest. And who could forget the drag queens that performed, including, of course, Bianca Paige!