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“We want to show our support for their courage and bravery to operate and do business in the county.”
— Dax Havrilak, Bastrop PRIDE secretary
BASTROP — A full week of community pride wrapped up June 7, with events aimed at celebrating identity, building partnerships and strengthening the region’s LGBTQ+ support network.
Held May 30 through June 7, the Bastrop PRIDE Festival featured themed mixers, live performances and two main events: the PRIDE Street Faire downtown June 6 and the County PRIDE Festival at the Bastrop Convention Center June 7. The events blended celebration with outreach, drawing participation from across the area, organizers said.
“This year, Pride is focused on coalition building, connecting and repairing the social safety net that the communities of Bastrop have been needing and asking for since COVID,” said Dax Havrilak, secretary of Bastrop PRIDE.
The June 7 event included local vendors, artists, magicians, contortionists and multiple drag performances. Organizers partnered with nonprofits, businesses and individual advocates to expand visibility and promote a stronger support network for LGBTQ+ residents.
Havrilak said the festival aimed to foster a deeper sense of belonging and help residents connect with services, resources and one another.
“Involvement from outside the cities has increased, but those stepping into leadership and committee levels are still needed,” Havrilak said. “We are working on bringing the greater web of shops, stores and services forward.”
Bastrop PRIDE reported growing engagement from Elgin, Smithville and other parts of the county. The group said it hopes to expand its efforts year-round, including locally led events in those areas.
The organization’s 2025 fundraising goal is set at $18,000 to help support ongoing programming, scholarships and educational initiatives. Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to submit promotional materials for free advertising through the PRIDE network.
“We want to show our support for their courage and bravery to operate and do business in the county,” Havrilak said.
More information is available at bastroppride.org.
