SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Out at the Fair (OATF), a family-friendly celebration of the LGBTQ+ community – is set to expand to the New Mexico State Fair (NMSF), and scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 16, at EXPO New Mexico, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the support of Albuquerque Pride (ABQP). Originally launched at the San Diego County Fair (SDCF) in 2013 as an “Unofficial Gay Day at the Fair,” OATF became an official Fair event in 2014 and renamed “Out at the Fair.” Through the years, it has gained the support of local LGBTQ+ community organizations, such as San Diego Pride, North County Pride, South Bay Pride, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, and TransFamily Support Services, as well as local elected officials and businesses.
After five years of increased success, OATF made the jump to the California State Fair (CSF) in Sacramento last July, as part of an expansion plan that intends to spread a message of diversity and inclusiveness to Fairs nationwide and abroad. Droves of excited LGBTQ+ folks came out on a hot Sunday for a day of fun and celebration at the CSF. What started as an outing by a group of friends in 2011 has become the only official LGBTQ+ event in the Fair industry, winning awards from trade associations, and gaining recognition and respect from the community. “I’m just so appreciative and overwhelmed with joy from the incredible support we’ve received from so many people and organizations to make this event happen and grow,” said William Zakrajshek, co-founder of OATF. “One day, we’re hanging out at the San Diego County Fair, and six short years later, we’re traveling to another state to plant the OATF seed in our third Fair… there are no words!”
At the SDCF, OATF includes a full day of entertainment at two stages, featuring local LGBTQ+ performers, non-profit organizations exhibiting, the Newly Married Game, Diva Drop, Dunk a Hunk, an art exhibition, and two multi-stall all-gender restrooms. In preparation for the event, Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director at TransFamily Support Services, and her son Sam, offer sensitivity training to ambassadors, Guest Services employees, and Senior Staff, sharing the “dos and don’ts” of interacting with transgender guests.
OATF will go back to its roots at the NMSF, by inviting the community to attend the Fair and show their pride. As has been the case of San Diego in 2011, and Sacramento in 2017, the plan is to start with a friendly gathering, and grow the event year after year. “I encourage everyone to come OUT to the New Mexico State Fair for this special day to support one another as we create something new for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Neil Macernie, President at Albuquerque Pride.
