This Sunday, we hope you will join us as we celebrate our LGBTQ community members and friends in lieu of a Sunday service. As we have done in past years, Haven will have a contingent marching in the parade (approximately a 30 minute walk), and we'd love Haven-ites and friends of all ages to join our group.
New This Year! - In order to help us plan, and to collect contacts for coordinating any day-of details, we are asking folks who are interested in joining us to RSVP through this very brief form.
If you're thinking of joining, check out all of the details below:
What about Covid? Of course we are still dealing with the Covid pandemic, and we encourage folks to take whatever cautions help you navigate the day and feel safe. Being outdoors should help mitigate the risk significantly. Even so, you are welcome to wear a mask if you prefer. It may be helpful to know that marching in the parade allows for much more physical distancing than watching from the crowd on the sidelines.
Who is Invited to March? Anyone who wants to be a part of marching and celebrating the existence of inclusive faith communities like Haven. Folks who have been at Haven for awhile, folks who are new, and any friends who come along and want to join in the fun are welcome.
Please gather at the contingent assembly area (on 14th St. between Broadway and Jefferson) between 9 and 10 am. (Come on the early side if you want to help blow up balloons and prepare the truck.) If you're having a hard time finding our contingent, you can text or call Leah at (773) 456-9199 or Jeanne at (510) 734-3812.
What Do I Wear? Once again, Haven has sprung for new, bright Haven t-shirts in a variety of colors for all parade participants. If you had shirts from our last parade participation, you should wear those. If you ordered a shirt this time round, Kris or Leah will be in contact about getting it to you before Sunday, or you can get it Sunday morning when you arrive. (Didn't order a shirt? No worries; we have extras. E-mail Leah to reserve one.) With your shirt, wear whatever will be comfortable. Accessories are welcome.
What Will We Do In the Parade? This year, we'll have a couple folks carrying a new Haven banner out front, and then we'll have a soon system playing music on a pickup truck, which we will walk along side. We'll be walking the route from 14th to 20th (about a 20-30 minute walk), passing out stickers and candy, waving signs, and for whoever wants to: singing along to a playlist of music. A few people may be invited to ride in the back of the truck, as well.
Should I Bring My Kids? This is a personal decision for each family, but it might help to know that Oakland Pride is a very family-friendly festival. Last year, lots of Haven kids were in the mix and had a great time. The festival afterwards also has a wonderful kids zone.
What Else Should I Bring? We will provide stickers and candy to hand out to people we meet as we walk along the route. We will also have balloons for the truck. We encourage you to bring your own posters to carry with the affirming message you might want to share, but we will also have a handful of pre-made posters for those who want something to carry and don't bring their own. Also, don't forget to pack water, sunscreen, and snacks for you (and your kids) if needed.
What Happens After the Parade? The rest of the day is the Oakland Pride Festival, and we encourage you all to join in the fun. Haven has also been invited to partner with our friends at Oak Life church at the booth they are hosting, sharing information about our churches. If you'd like to represent Haven at this booth, you can sign up for one or more hour-long shifts here. Please note there is an admission cost of $10 for adults and $5 for kids to the festival.
