Sedona's ST.com contributing writer, Hollywood Jim, and fan

Sedona AZ–I have to give a shout out to the community of Sedona for showing it’s pride and support for the Second Annual Pride-Fest held at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa over the weekend.

I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a Sedona Saturday other than Creekside on a beautiful early autumn day. Pride-Fest began to get off the ground at nine in the morning with guys doing sound checks and playing music. I, of course, was hosted in the V.I.P. tent with my new friends, Anita Dawson and crew, from the Center For The New Age. We had the best spot to see and be seen as we overlooked white tent after white tent of vendors and sponsors.

My friend, Jan, showed up to guide me through the throngs of people to visit each tent. Did I mention Jan’ is a shopaholic? She went away from Pride-Fest with  a purse, drum, T-shirts and a better wallet because as Jan said, “We need to support this event and the community of Sedona.”

Cat Black Band

We visited with Brent Jordan from Sweet Earth Art. Jan bought an “over the shoulder” bag from him–she needed a purse that never comes off after almost losing hers in a department store on Sunday!

Mandy Bray from Designer Dog was on hand to help show some love for our furry friends. The list of Pride-Fest vendors goes on and on with lots of freebies being handed out–shopping bags, candy, free samples from Trish with Sedona Labs, bracelets and a really cool hand-held fan that changed colors! I’m gonna use that fan at my next Rave invite…ha ha.

I saw men, women, and children of every color and all were at Pride-Fest to show love for others in their lives. Mayor Rob Adams was there to show support for his sister and said, “I’m straight, but not narrow” (thinking that is). I believe Jan bought a T-shirt with that slogan, Mayor Adams. Mine says, “Don’t hate, CELEBRATE!”

Hollywood Jim with Anita Dawson of The New Age Center in Sedona

My friends from the Cat Black Band opened Pride-Fest with the always kick-butt blues that they perform so well. I watched as a long line of female impersonators took the stage to turn that mother out and my fave wore green fringe disco boots and an afro two feet high! (I didn’t know you could do that with a hula hoop!) One female impersonator did her best as the Coach from Glee…too funny! Many in the fun-loving audience climbed on stage to give dollar bills of appreciation…even the kids!

After a bit, it was back up to V.I.P. to help Ms. Anita Dawson meet and greet and watch as aura photos were taken. If you’ve never had an aura photo, I highly suggest that you go have one taken at the Center For The New Age. Use the five dollar discount coupon in the New Sedona Times newspaper and get the free aura cleansing first with Anita’s daughter, Jamie Jones, who is the best–Jamie has been featured on Oprah and The Bachelorette!  

Anita invited me to the stage and together we picked the lucky raffle ticket winner of a silver rose quartz and abalone shell bracelet donated by the Center For The New Age. I also thanked everyone for supporting the New Sedona Times Newspaper, and each other, during this wonderful city event.

Anita Dawson and friend, Larry

Man, do people love my red shoes! However, I was almost outdone by none other than Sammy Davis and Les D. Argoff from the Cat Black Band. Les made a point of trying to show me up in his brand new blue suede shoes and he almost did it, but it was Mr. Sammy Davis himself who got my props in a head-to-toe red outfit AND red ostrich shoes! Sammy looked down at my kicks and gave me a high five because “Soul….you either have or you don’t.” People of style always give it up for each other. Always!

The drinks flowed, the food was off the chain, and the love was free and supportive. I’m proud to be a member of this community, a community that supports all regardless of ethnicity, color or sexual orientation. I’ll be at next year’s Pride-Fest and so should you. The Sedona Pride-Fest event is about more than showing support for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans-gendered people. Our city’s Pride-Fest message is about tolerance and acceptance, and acknowledging that a good human being is not defined by the “straight and narrow” among us. God Bless America!!!