LaWana Mayfield attended her first Charlotte Pride event years before she was elected to public office. Mayfield, the first openly gay council member, served as a grand marshal for the Sunday event, which has grown from a few thousand to more than 80,000. Moments before her town car helps lead the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade down Tryon St., she gives a broad smile when asked this question: What does it mean for Charlotte that this thing keeps on growing?
LOGAN CYRUS
LaWana Mayfield was one of two grand marshals at this year's Charlotte Pride event.
"It means that the Charlotte community and surrounding areas are growing and know the improtants of celebrating, encouraging, and supporting diversity," she says. "Our LGBT community are our neighbors, brothers, sisters, elected officials, teachers and they should be supported. This is a way to come out and do it in one big party."
As a marching band's drumline kicks into a cadence at the back of the line, Mayfield snaps a shot of fellow grand marshal Patsy Kinsey, seated in the car ahead. Last year, Kinsey was the first mayor to ever march with the parade, when she served in the interim position. The council member is back this year to help the Queen City celebrate again. "It’s just exhilarating," she said. "And everyone is so nice, so loving, and so kind."
In the gallery below, witness more scenes from the 2014 Charlotte Pride Parade, which included Queen City businesses, colleges, non-profits, leaders, and mostly, private citizens.
We offer very unique activity options during our public sessions such as canvas painting, pottery, glaWe keep the music going and karaoke is always availabss painting, & more! No experience necessary. Young adults under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants 21+ are welcome to order from our wine bar once in studio, that includes fine wine, special ciders, and sake cocktails. Snacks and soft drinks are available to purchase for all participants.
Schedule:
Tuesday – Thursday 7pm
Friday – Saturday – 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Sunday 5pm
Online ticket purchase is required.
Participants can choose from the activities listed below. No experience is necessary.
$35 PRO-SKETCH PASS
Pick from the items below and pick your design- let a professional artist sketch it for you and provide steps/technique for completion. It’s super easy! No need to pre-submit the image – just bring it in with on your phone or printed out. You are not limited to the designs linked below. (Please refrain from choosing highly detailed images or realistic portraits)
16″x20″ CANVAS PAINTING
DRINK WARE PAINTING
DINNER PLATE PAINTING
BASEBALL HAT PAINTING
CLAY MOLDING & PAINTING
WOOD PLAQUE PAINTING
$25 FREESTYLE PASS
Want to let your creativity flow and design on your own will while having fun? Choose from the items below. Artists will be available to answer questions as you work through your projects.
11″x14″ CANVAS PAINTING
DRINK WARE PAINTING
DINNER PLATE PAINTING
BASEBALL HAT PAINTING
CLAY MOLDING & PAINTING
WOOD PLAQUE PAINTING
$15 SOCIAL PASS
Want to simply come in and socialize with family and friends in a fun, artsy environment? This pass is for you and does not include an art activity. You can still bring food and drinks – perhaps do karaoke if you’d like!
From the earliest days of Billy Graham’s ministry, he had a special place in his heart for teens and young adults. Come see our new special display and discover how God used him to reach youth with the Good News of Jesus Christ, from inner-city ministry in Chicago to postwar Europe to the Miami Rock Festival. You’ll also learn about Billy’s own experience as a student. •Browse never-before-seen memorabilia. •Read powerful stories and personal memories. •See fascinating photos of Billy’s time in school and his global outreach to youth.
This special display is free to the public and no pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 704-401-3200.
Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate free family Christmas event returning to Cabela’s this holiday season. Charlotte-area families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering FREE 4×6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games.
Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. Kids can enjoy free crafts, coloring stations and write a letter to Santa.
Guests can reserve their free visit and photo with Santa using the free Bass Pass system. Visit the Bass Pass Ticket Depot located at the entrance of Santa’s Wonderland to pick up a time-stamped pass. (OR, for digital passes) Guests can register online for a digital Bass Pass to see Santa, allowing them time to explore Santa’s Wonderland or shop while they wait. Updates and reminders will be sent via text messages.
In addition, Cabela’s stores are designated toy drop-off stations for Toys for Tots. Families that bring a new toy to donate Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, will receive a FREE premium photo package valued at $20.
Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate free family Christmas event. The magic returns to Bass Pro Shops and Charlotte-area families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering FREE 4×6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games.
Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/ foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also enjoy free crafts, coloring stations and write a letter to Santa.
Guests can reserve their free visit and photo with Santa using the free Bass Pass system. Visit the Bass Pass Ticket Depot located at the entrance of Santa’s Wonderland to pick up a time-stamped pass. (OR, for digital passes) Guests can register online for a digital Bass Pass to see Santa, allowing them time to explore Santa’s Wonderland or shop while they wait. Updates and reminders will be sent via text messages.
In addition, Bass Pro Shops stores are designated toy drop-off stations for Toys for Tots. Families that bring a new toy to donate Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 will receive a FREE premium photo package valued at $20.
One of Charlotte’s historic streetcar communities, Plaza Midwood is full of hip art galleries, funky stores, and unique restaurants, which join to give the neighborhood its eclectic local flavor and authentic character amidst modern-day growth.
Get an inside look into the neighborhood’s storied past while enjoying the cuisines that make the area a popular place to live, work, and play today. The diversity of Plaza Midwood is reflected in its food, with historic diners and popular dives serving up old favorites alongside modern restaurants and local watering holes bringing new flavors into the mix.
This food tour includes: *Specialties from six locally-owned culinary establishments including restaurants, diners, and breweries *Tastings of local beer, cider, and cocktail samples *Enlightening beer & food pairing experience *Opportunities to interact with the key players at each restaurant and hear their stories about their businesses, personal journeys, and specialties *Introduction to the neighborhood’s history and recent growth