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 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: Sharon White – With a career spanning almost 40 years, Sharon has been responsible for breaking through more barriers than probably any other DJ. She was the first woman to headline the Saint, Paradise Garage, and the Trocodero. Billboard named her its first female DJ reporter; Motown, when it brought her aboard, became the first major label to hire a woman as a promotion director. Sharon is thrilled to be bringing her unique spirit to Flagging In The Park! Check her podcast out here.
Our beneficiary: National AIDS Memorial Grove – is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope, and remember. For all the promising prospects on the horizon, AIDS continues to invade our lives, violate our past, and rob us of our comfortable assumptions about the future. The sacred ground of this living memorial honors all who have confronted this tragic pandemic both those who have died and those who have shared their struggle, kept the vigils, and supported each other during the final hours.
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 nineteen 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. 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. There are little or no services nearby, but a Port-A-Potty will be available. 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.
2016 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 all of our 2016 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, Flagger Central, Fitness SF, Benefit Marketing, Kenshi Westover, and the many volunteers that help with set up and strike. Make sure to let them know you appreciate their support of FITP!
2016 Producers: Jeff Hettinger & Rob Gomez (Special Event), Tom Steele & Joey Wong (May), Andrew Lopez (June), Patric Daddy (July), Stratten Moore (Sept), Michele Laskowski & Amy Lam (Oct), still led by Xavier Caylor and his partner Jeffrey Doney. FITP on Facebook This Event on Facebook
