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Medford Pride 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: Jun 19


Medford Pride 2024 Logo Designed by Spencer Nori


Welcome!

We’re so happy you’re here! We hope you’ll come out and join us for Medford, Oregon’s 3rd Annual Pride. Medford Pride is an inclusive, supportive and joyous event where the Queer community and those who love and support us can come together in an environment that celebrates our culture while supporting local businesses, exploring year-round advocacy opportunities, making friends and having fun.


Mission

The mission of Medford Pride is to celebrate the diversity of the local Queer community and the people who support and uplift LGBTQIA2S+ People and Families.


We do this by providing an intentional space to engage and celebrate with other community members, support services, and allies.


We work to promote unity, inclusion, awareness and a sense of broad community for Queer individuals, their families, and allies.


We strive to create a space for cultural, artistic, social and educational interactions which affirm, embrace, and support the lives of those in our Queer community, particularly those who continue to face oppression based on other intersecting identities.


This celebration is meant to motivate, develop, support and give a voice to the Queer community and the next generation of leaders who are working to build a more inclusive, accepting, and equitable tomorrow.


Who Are We?

Medford Pride is planned and hosted by the LGBTQ+ Equity Workgroup of Southern Oregon's Health Equity Coalition (SO Health-E,) which focuses on reducing health disparities impacting the Queer community in Jackson and Josephine Counties.


The SO Health-E Coalition is a community-led, cross-sector Regional Health Equity Coalition advancing equity for all in Jackson and Josephine Counties.


SO Health-E operates with fiscal sponsorship from Rogue Valley Mentoring. Rogue Valley Mentoring seeks to transform entire communities through the mentoring of its youth. They provide no-cost mentoring programs to Jackson County youth, ages 10-24, in one-to-one mentoring relationships and in circles (group mentoring).


Code of Conduct

We are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for our community and will have staff on-site to ensure this environment is maintained. Because this is an all ages event, we kindly ask that everyone be extra aware of their language, gestures, and behavior. All guests should be able to celebrate freely and leave the event having had a positive experience.


Be responsible for your own good time and the good time of your community by agreeing to follow our basic code of conduct.

  • Violation of the public park policies set by the City of Medford or local, state and federal laws and statues (this is a requirement for our permit to hold the event)

  • Exposing genitals (defined as reproductive organs in the pubic region)

  • Using hate speech or gestures or displaying symbols of racism, homophobia, transphobia or other forms of hate and intolerance

  • Holding signs or handing out materials within the event that are not in line with the antiracist, Pro-LGBTQ+, Trans Affirming values of Medford Pride 2024.

  • Please be aware: you can always say “no” to photo or interview requests. Be sure you know the person you are interacting with and if you feel uncomfortable, you can always choose to not engage. The official Medford Pride photographer will be wearing a green Medford Pride shirt and is part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

We reserve the right to deny entry to, and remove those, from this event venue who violate the Code of Conduct or Community Standards agreement. Those who violate the Code of Conduct or Community Standards agreement may be subject to entry denial/ejection.


We thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the integrity of this event and look forward to celebrating with you!


General Event Details

1.) Where is this event taking place?

Medford Pride 2024 will be taking place in both squares of the Pear Blossom park on 312 East 4th Street in downtown Medford on Saturday June 22nd, 2024 from 12pm-6pm.


2.) Is there a fee to enter?

No, there will be no cost to enter the event for those wishing to participate in the celebration. You must agree to our basic code of conduct to enter the event. We have a permit for the use of the blocked off areas, and it is a closed event for Medford Pride attendees, no walk-through traffic will be permitted.


3.) Is this an event for 18+ and older?

No,  Medford Pride is intended to be family friendly and inclusive of all ages.

In order to create a family friendly environment, there will be no use or display of explicit media, language, or performances. All displays and printed materials are subject to review and approval before the event. Additionally, alcoholic beverages and the use of tobacco products or smoking devices are prohibited per the City of Medford in Pear Blossom Park.


4.) COVID-19 policy?

While social distancing and masks are encouraged to decrease the spread of droplet transmitted illnesses, no masks, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or negative COVID test are required by the venue for entry.


Guests are encouraged to not attend any events at the venue if, within the past 14 days, they have had any COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.


5.) What activities or performances will be happening?

The details of the event agenda are still being planned and will be updated as they are confirmed. For the time being, you can count on live performances and music, food trucks, vendors, games and activities, local artists and makers, booths with support services/resources, and a color explosion at the end to wrap everything up. A map with the layout and events will be posted before the event and available for pick-up at the event entrance.


6.) Should I bring money?

Yes, while there won’t be a fee for individuals to enter the event, there will be many local vendors and food trucks that will have items/goods for sale. Some of these vendors will have terminals for credit/debit cards but others may only be able to accept cash so it may be advantageous to plan accordingly. ATMs are also located nearby. We thank you for supporting our local businesses!


7.) Where can I park?

The event will take place across the street from the Middleford Parking Garage (314 East 6th Street) which has free parking on Saturdays. Street parking is also available for free on Saturdays throughout downtown Medford.


8.) Amenities/First Aid

The event will be ADA accessible and have ADA accessible bathrooms  in addition to hand washing stations, shaded areas for those needing to escape the heat, and a first aid booth.


9.) Are animals allowed?

Yes, well-behaved pets are allowed. Dogs must be on a 6 ft leash at all times and the owner will assume all responsibility for their behavior and cleaning up after them per the City of Medford.


10.) Can I take pictures while at the event?

Guests are allowed to take pictures and record videos on a consent basis. If your media may include other guests, staff, vendors, or performers, please get consent of all parties beforehand. 


No outside large professional cameras are allowed. The Medford Pride Planning Committee has hired a professional photographer who is a member of the local LGBTQIA2S+ community. They will be wearing a lavender Medford Pride shirt and holding a large camera. These photos will be publicly available on our Medford Pride social media accounts after Pride.


11.) Amplification

No person shall use any device to amplify sound in any park unless a valid permit has been issued. No person shall use sound producing or reproducing equipment between the hours of 10pm and 8am on public property or on public rights-of-way.


12.) Safety at Pride

The Medford Pride Planning Committee is committed to doing all we can to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience free from hate and harassment. While we recognize that there are things outside of our control, here are the steps we have taken to keep pride safe and fun:

  • Pride Deescalation Team: A team of trained and experienced community de-escalators on-site all day.

  • Pride Security: A team of trained security guards are on-site all day wearing mint green Medford Pride shirts with the words "Security/Seguridad" on the back. They are here to deal with bigots and threats, not to police the behavior of community members enjoying Pride. If you see a security threat, please let them know or find someone in a lavender Medford Pride shirt.

  • RV Pepper Shakers: A local group that puts themselves between extremist religious organizations and the general public. They will be on site to distract, block, and generally annoy any homophobic/transphobic/racist groups or individuals who show up to counter-protest Pride.

  • On Call Medical/First Aid Booth: Mercy Flights is on-site and can be found at the first aid booth.

If you have a security concern, or a medical emergency, please find someone in a light green or bright pink Medford Pride shirt.


13.) Will there be interpretation at the main stage?

Yes! American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpreters will provide live interpretation for the performances at the main stage.


14.) I have more questions, who can I contact?



Vendor/Food Truck FAQs

Vendor, Sponsor, and Food Truck applications have closed. If you have already applied, and have questions about your vendor booth, please see the information below:


All vendor booths are 10’ x 10’. If you want a 10’ x 20’ space, please note that you will want to reserve two spots, side by side, and then double the listed fee.


Reminder that food vendors must obtain a temporary event permit. More information can be found here and here.


1.) Who can be a vendor?

Any individuals, establishments, or organizations that are committed to serving queer communities and upholding queer and trans affirming and antiracist values. In addition, we particularly welcome vendors who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, are BIPOC owned, and/or are locally owned. Vendors are entities selling items/goods or agencies providing resources/services.


2.) What does the vendor application review process look like?

After an application has been submitted via the online portal, the SO Health-E's LGBTQ+ Equity Work Group committee will review each submission and respond to you after careful review by a volunteer committee.


All displays and printed materials are subject to review and approval before the event.

Approval may be revoked during the event if display or printed material is not as described during initial review.


All products and services are also subject to review. Be prepared to submit photos of your booth, or a detailed description of your booth, along with copies of printed materials.


If there are changes to your display or printed materials after the initial review, you must send updated materials for review. Submissions will be voted on by the committee for approval using specified criteria.


3.) What do I need to bring?

Vendors are responsible for their own tables, chairs and shade canopies. Please be sure to bring some type of shade if you’re able to. We recommend bringing weights for your canopy as it can be windy in that area. We'd also like to remind you to bring plenty of water and something to keep you cool from the summer heat - if it's anything like last year, you can expect it to be hot. 


4.) What does setup and breakdown look like?

Set up: The Day of the Event (6/22/24): Set-up will begin no earlier than 9:00 AM and must be complete by 11:00 AMYou may pull up close to your booth location to unload, however, please DO NOT leave your vehicle in the event area for more than 10 minutes. We ask that you unload, move your vehicle, and then come back to set up. This will help all vendors be able to set up in a timely fashion and minimize traffic jams on Bartlett. Our entrances will open to the public at 12pm. You will receive a set up time slot when you receive the event map. In addition to the event map, vendor locations will be marked with chalk to help coordinate an easier setup. 


Take down: Since the area will be fenced in until the event ends, you should not begin tearing down your booth or food truck until 6:00 PM.


You may not begin tearing down your booth or food truck until 6:00 PM.


5.) Can I sell items/goods?

Yes, this event is about our community and the wonderful things you create and produce! You can sell items and/or goods at this event that have been approved by the committee from your application review. This does not include any alcoholic beverages, tobacco or smoking products, homophobic, transphobic, or racist material, or explicit material that is not suitable for people under 18 years of age. This list is not exhaustive.


6.) Amenities?

Utilities: All vendors that have requested power, will have access. DO NOT PLUG INTO THE ELECTRICAL BOXES ON THE BASE OF THE TREES. THIS CAN CAUSE A POWER OUTAGE. Booths that require power should plan on bringing an extension cord. If your extension cord is a tripping hazard, please be prepared to secure it with a cord cover or heavy-duty tape. Vendors using electrical hook-ups are expected to keep all cords secured from tripping hazards, water hazards, or any compromising hazard and must not block walking access.


There will be ADA accessible bathrooms and handwashing stations throughout the park for your use. Please do not ask local storefronts to use their restrooms. 


Trash and recycling cans will also be available throughout the event at various locations; you are welcome to bring your own as well. We will have a dumpster on the 4th St side of the event. Disposing of your booth's trash helps our volunteers immensely.


7.) Booth spaces and parking for vendors?

Food trucks and vendors with trailers will be utilizing both sides of Bartlett Street for this event. Vendors using canopies will be dispersed throughout the park.. Exact details of layout will be provided to all approved vendors by the end of May via email.


There is parking available in the Middleford parking garage located across the street from Pear Blossom park that offers free parking all day on Saturday. Food truck vendors are approved to keep their vehicle/unit within the park perimeter (at designated space,) all other groups will need to utilize the parking garage OR 4th street, which we have closed down for the event. 


8.) Payment Policy?

All payments must be received by June 7th. All fees are tax-deductible donations to SO Health-E's LGBTQ+ Equity Work Group. Please contact medfordpride@sohealthe.org to inquire about scholarship opportunities.

  • Online Payment: When making an online payment, please select the option to cover transaction fees and select the “Dedicate this gift” option to Medford Pride. Secure donation link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/rogue-valley-mentoring/medford-pride-2024and click on “Donate”

  • Checks: Make payable to 'Rogue Valley Mentoring'

  • Add 'SO Health-E LGBTQ Sponsor' to the memo line.

  • Mail to: 2931 S Pacific Hwy, Medford, OR 97501


9.) Cancellation Policy?

We get it, things change! Cancellation requests must be received by June 9th, for a refund of your booth fee. Cancellation requests received after June 9th will not receive a booth fee refund; your booth fee is still a tax-deductible donation.


10.) Is this tax deductible?

Yes, your vendor application fee is tax deductible! Rogue Valley Mentoring is a 501(c)(3) registered organization so your application fees are tax deductible. A receipt will be issued to you once your payment has been received EIN: 94-3468601


100% of the proceeds for booth fees and sponsorships go to fund Medford Pride events.


11.) I have more questions, who can I contact?

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