FAQs
Will there be accessible parking spaces available for persons with disability?
There will be accessible parking spaces located next to Depot Village and the railroad tracks. There are also accessible spaces in front of Town Hall.
I’m coming to the festival in Frog Level, where should I park?
Any open street parking is available, as well as spaces at the Armory, Rec Center, Haywood Builders, Kim’s Pharmacy, Grace Church, and the Courthouse and Montgomery parking garages. Click here for more information on those areas.
I’m coming to the parade to watch, where should I park?
Parking will be available at the Courthouse a parking Garage, Wall Street, and Babcock Furniture (except for the first row of parking at Babcock which will be reserved for their customers and employees-please respect their generosity).
I’m in the parade, where should I park?
Please contact your group lead who has that available information to provide to you.
Where do funds go that are raised for this event?
Check out our Transparency page to learn more about funds and the team.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are family! Dogs following the towns ordinances (must be leashed and clean up after pet) are allowed. Check out this awesome article by NC Smokies about dog-friendly Haywood County: Pet Friendly Activities and Places to Stay in the Smokey Mountains NC
Will there be Police?
The Road Closures are handled by law enforcement so you will see police around to assist with the road closures during the parade but they will not be patrolling the events. Instead civilian police (all citizens volunteers) will be supporting safety of the event.
We do understand that there might be protestors spewing obscenities and for that reason we have contacted Brass Your Heart, a community driven radical marching band dedicated to providing street support to grassroots social justice to help in drowning out those voices. We also will have the Support of the biker gang Veterans for Equality present to offer additional layers of boundary protection.
In addition there will be a medic tent located on Commerce Street staffed by volunteer EMS LGTBQIA+ persons and allies that have been an internal and consistent part of the POM Planning Team.
We understand that LGBTIA+ persons or BIPOC persons have sometimes been harmed by police and their presence may be triggering. We have employed these alternatives to ensure we have a safe weekend of events. We do have an open line of communication with Waynesville Police Chief Adams in case any imminent danger arises. Chief Adams was present at Town Hall during the ruling of the permit approval for this event and congratulated us. Chief Adams also escorted out an irate citizen who spewed hate to trans persons during the Town Hall in July of 2023. We recognize both the lived experiences of our populations and the work of the local police department that has kept us safe in times of chaos and we thank both them and our LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC friends in sharing their lived truths with us. For more information on Chief Adams visit here.
Will there be food?
Yes, there will be 2-3 food trucks available along with food, snacks, and drinks from local businesses like Frog Level Brewery, Panacea Coffeehouse, Roll-Up Mocktail Bar. These businesses will have both vegan and vegetarian options.
Can I bring a chair and blanket to hang out during the day?
Yes, there will be live music, entertainers and art throughout the day…feel free to bring a blanket or a chair to relax on.
Can we bring in a cooler of our own beer?
No, Cultivate and Frog Level Brewing are the only ACB permitted businesses that can sell beer (and with our permit approval came the approval to take your beer with you while listening to music or shopping vendors).
Can I participate in the parade?
Absolutely, groups, teams, businesses are welcome to register their team to walk together (with or without a float) to walk in the parade. If you are an individual unaffiliated with a group you can walk with IDEA of Haywood County. Just sign up for walking and put IDEA. More info to apply to walk here: Join the Pride on Main Parade
Are the parade and festival family friendly events?
Absolutely, Pride events have been historically family friendly. From fairy hair, face painting, stickers, and pride gear. In addition we have other events going on throughout the weekend that are both family and dog family friendly (BYOGB on Sunday June 30th).
Can we stand on Main Street and watch the parade?
Absolutely…bring a chair or blanket. Some people walking in the parade will be passing out items during the parade.
Can I donate to the cause without being a sponsor?
Absolutely, you can give cash donations by setting up a time to meet with a member of the planning team by emailing prideonmain@gmail.com or Venmo or Paypal:
All donations are tax deductible as Misfit Mountain Animal Rescue is the fiscal sponsor for this event.
Are there recommended places to stay overnight?
The Meadowlark Motel (prior host of Haywood County’s first drag show in 2023) has offered discount lodging by using the code PrideonMain. In addition, camping and lodging is available with Misfit Mountain Animal Rescue (LGBTQ founded and run), and Lake Junaluska (a methodist based retreat center that has hosted various LGBTQIA weddings and has been affirming and accepting of the community).
Who do I contact if I have a question not answered here?
I have never been to a drag show…what should I expect?
Here is some helpful info on that!
