The Youth Zone will consist of separate areas for different age groups, including arts and crafts, storybook readings, a space for teens, and a resource fair of LGBTQ-supportive youth-focused organizations for parents/guardians to gain information.
Parents/guardians and children are welcome and encouraged to attend spaces together. Story readings will include community members, some in costume, reading age-appropriate books to children and their parents/guardians. Our Teen Zone is for teens only but has a designated parent/guardian area inside the Teen Zone. Entertainment in this teen space is similar to a high school dance, with DJs, musical acts, and youth-appropriate performers and content, including drag performers.
All vendors, volunteers, and chaperones for the Youth Zone are vetted through an internal process that includes background checks and training. Since 2010, NWA Equality has had a similar background check policy and certification requirements for volunteers and staff working with youth programs, including Child Abuse Prevention training.
NWA Pride's website will contain a more in-depth FAQ available to the public closer to the event, with answers to logistical questions and descriptions of performers, costumes, and books that families can expect.
The NWA Pride Youth Zone will be located inside the Fayetteville Town Center. The event will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 29, in conjunction with the NWA Pride Festival and the 5 p.m. Parade on Dickson Street.
