Sunday, May 14 – 1 PM to 4 PM
National AIDS Memorial Grove – Golden Gate Park
Come enjoy the sun, music, flora, and friends in the beautiful National AIDS Memorial Grove. This event is open to all flow artists – fanning, flagging, poi, staff, hoopers and their supporters. Flags are available for use or just relax, take in the fun dance music and colorful visuals. Bring a beverage, a lunch, something to sit on, and enjoy.
Music by: Russ Rich is one of San Francisco’s most versatile DJs. Early on in his DJ career, he became known for his happy and uplifting vocal style. After several years spinning local bars and T-Dances, he graduated to headliner status, playing peak time sets at clubs like “Industry” at Mighty, “Hero” at Ruby Skye, and “Colossus” at 1015 Folsom. In 2011, Russ won “San Francisco’s Next Top DJ” competition, and in 2013, he won a nationwide contest for Gay Internet Radio Live. That same year, Russ was named Resident DJ for PLAY T-Dance. This summer, Russ will headline Folsom Street Events “ROUGH” party following the Dore Alley Street Fair on July 30, 2017. For more information, please visit Facebook and podomatic.
Our beneficiary: San Francisco Suicide Prevention serves to provide emotional support, education, assistance, and intervention as necessary to all persons in crisis and those impacted by them, with the goal of reducing suicides and self-destructive behaviors. Founded in 1962, it was the first community-based hotline within the USA. Their programs include the HIV/AIDS Nightline, Youth Risk Reduction, Crisis Line, Peer Workforce Support, Drug and Alcohol Line, and Grief Programs.
Where to go: National AIDS Memorial Grove – Taking public transportation is encouraged, finding a place for your car can be challenging. Never been there: pair up with someone who has been there; if you drive – go early for better parking, map here. Walking directions from 2nd and Irving (N-Judah). Walking directions from 9th and Judah (Bus #6, #43, and N-Judah). Walking directions from Stanyan and Hayes (Bus #21, #5). Walking directions from Haight and Stanyan (Bus #33, #7, #71)
About FITP: In 1997 a group of San Francisco flaggers started a tradition of celebrating life by gathering in the newly dedicated National AIDS Memorial Grove. Here we are twenty years later, the event is thriving and growing; with the DJs, organizers, and participants donating their time, energy and love to help raise money for mostly local (sometimes national) non-profits.
What to expect: The National AIDS Memorial Grove is in a gorgeously secluded meadow in Golden Gate Park. There are little or no services nearby. Often the fog is licking at the sky above especially in the summer, bring sunscreen and a wrap. Bring something to sit on; pack a lunch or bring snacks and beverages; flags are available for use; usually a few furry friends roaming. Our DJ spins vocal fun-filled dance music and flow artists eagerly enjoy and share their art with newcomers. No pressure to participate, come relax and take in the color and beauty of our tribe.
2017 Partners: Flagging In The Park is proud to partner again with Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, the nonprofit behind REAL BAD – they will be offering a $2,000 matching grant for each of the five 2017 events. Proving it takes a village, this event would not happen without the support of these partners: National AIDS Memorial Grove, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Pretty in Ink, Randal Schiller Productions, Gloss Magazine, Flagger Central, Fitness SF, Benefit Marketing, the LookOut, and the many volunteers that help with set up and strike. Make sure to let them know you appreciate their help with FITP!
2017 Producers: Joey Wong & Tom Steele (May), Ric de Barros & Andru Lopez (June), Jeff Kennedy & Jeffrey Doney (July), Jeff Hettinger & Rob Gomez (September), Michele Laskowski & Amy Lam (Oct), and Xavier Caylor.
