Florence, SC, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Pee Dee Equality will hold its second annual pride festival in downtown Florence, SC, featuring notable speakers, live performances, and various vendors. The festival aims to promote inclusivity and celebrate the LGBTQ community alongside allies. With activities planned from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., attendees can enjoy entertainment, food from local trucks, and contests. Security will be ensured by local police, making this event a significant opportunity for community engagement and acceptance.
Florence to Host Second Annual Pride Festival
Pee Dee Equality is set to hold its second annual pride event in downtown Florence, South Carolina, on Saturday, with activities planned from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the City Center Market. The festival aims to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and celebration for the LGBTQ community and their allies.
This year’s pride festival will commence with opening remarks from Kennon Feaster-Eytchison, the executive director of Pee Dee Equality, alongside Florence Mayor Lethonia Bradley and John Vincent, a Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 7th district. The festival’s activities are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m., after the initial speeches.
Last year’s event saw over 700 attendees, a significant increase from the anticipated 50. Organizers are hopeful that this year will attract a similar or greater turnout, bolstered by the expansion of activities and a wider array of offerings.
Approximately 40 vendors will be on-site, including local churches advocating for LGBTQ acceptance. Attendees can also enjoy food from five different food trucks, which will feature a variety of cuisines. The festival promises engaging entertainment, with live performances from Drag Queens and singer Eric Who, along with contests for the best-dressed pride outfits, with a special category for pets.
Security for the event is a key consideration, and local police will be present to ensure the safety of all participants. The overall goal of the pride festival is to foster a sense of community and belonging, encouraging love and unity among diverse individuals.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Location: City Center Market, Florence, SC
Entertainment and Activities
- Opening remarks by notable speakers
- Live performances by Drag Queens and singer Eric Who
- Contests for best-dressed pride outfits
- Pet costume category
- About 40 local vendors and five food trucks
Background Context
The first pride festival in Florence exceeded expectations, drawing a crowd of over 700 people, highlighting the community’s growing support for LGBTQ events. Organizers reflect an increasing awareness and acceptance of diverse identities within the region. This year’s festival aims to build on that foundation, providing a platform for visibility and celebration.
The event represents a critical opportunity for community engagement, emphasizing acceptance and love. Local initiatives like these contribute to a more inclusive society and serve as a rallying point for advocates of LGBTQ rights in South Carolina.
Key Features of the Pride Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Second Annual Pride Festival |
| Date | Saturday |
| Location | City Center Market, Florence, SC |
| Time | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Expected Attendance | 700+ attendees |
| Number of Vendors | Approximately 40 |
| Food Trucks | Five |
| Live Performances | Drag Queens, singer Eric Who |
| Contests | Best-dressed outfits, pet category |
FAQ
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Additional Resources
- SC Now News
- Wikipedia: Pride Festival
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Florence South Carolina Pride Festival
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
