NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Most of the tents are set up for Hampton Roads Pride, ready for a weekend of events taking place at the start of a hot and muggy stretch of summer weather.
Jeff Ryder remembers a much warmer Pride Weekend last year. Though he is thankful the weather is not as hot this year, temperatures in the 90s with humidity is no joke. Coordinating with sponsors, his team has free water stations set up throughout Town Point Park for Pride Weekend.
“There will also be shade tents and other places to get cool,” Ryder said. “We encourage everyone to also be mindful and take care of themselves. Hydrate throughout the day, wear sunscreen.”
Ryder said it is important to be able to keep the celebration going despite the heat.
“Queer people in particular have been affected this year, our rights have been challenged, programs that used to celebrate the queer community have been stripped away just in the last few months,” Ryder said. “So to be able to have this big event that is embraced by our community and to be able to offer that free of charge for everybody who wants to attend tomorrow and Sunday, it’s deeply meaningful to folks to be celebrated for a few days.”
Hydration and skin protection are two of the biggest pieces of advice from Zachary Martin of Sentara Health. He also recommends taking frequent breaks from the heat and keeping a close watch on more vulnerable people.
“Our older adults that are 65 and older, children, infants, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions,” Martin said.
They generally see a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses when temps hit the 90s.
Across the 757 in Virginia Beach, they are getting set up for the Point Break reggae festival at Oceanfront. To keep cool during the 20-show event, anyone can bring their own factory-sealed water bottle and use their free refilling stations throughout the weekend. They will also have EMTs on-site, and there will be medical tents with air conditioning.
Back at Pride Weekend in Norfolk, a new security measure is in place this year. Barriers are going up around Town Point Park, with three secure entrances being put in place. Visitors are asked to register for free tickets.