TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Pride organization will be hosting their second annual pride fest community block party on Saturday, July 29.
The pride fest will kick off at 2 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. at the Santa Fe Plaza and Jeffie Castro, the founder of Temple Pride said the fest will feature live music, vendors--including locally owned businesses, food and fun.
"We just want people to know that we care for you and there are safe spaces and brave spaces for you to exist," said Castro.
Temple Pride is a 501c-3 non-profit organization and Castro said the organization's vice president will be stepping down following the event and will be replaced by a new vice president.
"One of the biggest goals in the community is to have an LGBTQIA+ center here Temple," Castro said.
Castro said the event will be "the ultimate safe space" for a good time as Pride Month ends on Sunday.
"Come and hang out and have fun and leave your worries behind," Castro said. "We look for allies in the community and if that's you come on out."
Castro said he expects over 100 people to be in attendance from all walks of life and sexual orientations.
"Know we're here to have fun Saturday and just enjoy your day," Castro said.
Castro said parts of profits made from the dozens of vendors, booths and food trucks will go towards the pride community and continued efforts to put on these kind of events in the future.
Castro said as a man growing up queer in the Central Texas community, support for fellow members of the community is important.
"We need to let our presence be known so that way people moving here with a new company or to bring their family know this is a safe and brave space and there are people from the LBGTQIA+ community," Castro said.