2012 Atlanta Pride fest returns to Piedmont Park in October as part of National Coming Out Day

 Events are also being planned for June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and applications are now being accepted for parade participants and market vendors. Visit www.atlantapride.org for more information.

“We are excited to announce the 2012 festival dates to allow the entire community ample planning time for this wonderful event here in Atlanta,” said APC Board Chair Glen Paul Freedman. “Piedmont Park is such a beautiful setting, the Atlanta Pride Committee is thrilled to continue our relationship with this convenient and appealing locale.”

Last year’s record crowds had organizers saying it was the best celebration in its 42 year history, including having the largest parade in more than two decades. This year also marks the first year in many where James Parker Sheffield is not at the helm as executive director. Sheffield recently took a job with the Health Initiative and the Atlant Pride Committee board named longtime volunteer to fill in on an interim basis.

Check out photos from last year’s Pride parade here.