WILLIAMSBURG — About 1,500 people attended Williamsburg’s first large-scale Pride event on June 27 at Jamestown Beach Event Park.
Williamsburg Area Pride was organized in part by Brian Brewer, a member of the planning committee for the event, and his husband, Jude Geiger, a minister at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists. The church’s Social Justice Committee worked with two local congregations on the effort as well as Virginia Organizing, a statewide grassroots organization.
The event featured vendors from churches, political organizations, small businesses selling pride-themed wares and handmade crochets, plushies, bags, spell jars, pet grooming alongside organizations such as the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association and Great Wolf Lodge. Four food trucks, a DJ and field games drew attendees despite the heat and later thunderstorms.
Local officials in attendance included Jim Icenhour, vice chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors; John McGlennon, chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors; Del. Jessica Anderson and Del. Mark C. Downey.
“I think queer folks in our community have been wanting the opportunity to connect and be joyful in a place they know is safe,” said Raegan Collier with the Williamsburg chapter of Virginia Organizing. “I am very excited to work on making it happen next year too.”
Organizers are discussing plans for Williamsburg Area Pride 2027 and will announce details later.
