The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is presenting its second annual “Pride in the Garden” series of events June 15–18. Two events are ticketed and two are free. All events are family-friendly and open to all ages.
“We really had no idea how enthusiastic people would be about these events and it turns out, they really are,” said the garden’s executive director, Jen Smith. “We had a vision of expanding on the 2021 festivities and the community really stepped up its game with all of the collaboration and excitement. Pride is a community thing and nobody does community like the Wood River Valley.”
The festival begins on June 15 at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden for Pride in the Garden Prom: Under the Rainbow 5–9 p.m. DJ Marlin will be spinning the tunes and Justin Buckles Productions returns with drag queen and king performances. The Sawtooth Brewery is providing food and beer, and the Garden will host a bar and non-alcoholic beverages station. An original Cristine Warjone art piece will be auctioned off as well as Jell-O shots and other great prizes.
Ticket prices vary and participation is limited due to venue size. Carpooling is encouraged. Dress as you wish and be advised: we will crown a Pride Court!
On June 16, the party moves north to Ketchum for Despo’s Diva Dinner from 6–9 p.m. Tickets are $125 and include tacos and drinks, and drag performances by Jayla Rose, Dolce Vida, Lylac, and Otto. Tickets are available on the Sawtooth Botanical Garden website at sbgarden.org. Participation is limited due to venue size.
Sun Valley Resort joins the festivities for the final two events offered to the community free of charge: the Fabulous Friday Flick screening of Mama Bears at the Sun Valley Opera House on June 17 and the Saturday, June 18, inaugural Pride Ride bicycle parade from the Sun Valley Pavilion parking lot, through Ketchum to River Run and back along the Wood River Trail.
Mama Bears is a thought-provoking exploration of the journeys taken by two moms whose profound love for their children has turned them into fierce advocates for the entire LGBTQ community. This free showing starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and is family-friendly.
On Saturday, all are welcome to join the first annual Pride Ride through town. Participants will begin gathering at 10 a.m. to apply finishing touches to decorated bikes and people and the parade will roll out at 11 a.m. Additional participant information about these events can be found at sbgarden.org.
Pride in the Garden raises money for SBG’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice programming and services and celebrates the LGBTQAI+ community and its allies. A portion of proceeds will be dedicated to three local Youth Pride clubs. Collaborators include NAMI-WRV, The Advocates, Family Health Services, Sun Valley Resort, Despo’s, Image Eyes Optical, Sawtooth Brewery, Toni’s Sun Valley Ice Cream, Christine Warjone Art, and the Good Deeds Club.