LGBT crowds will gather Saturday, Aug. 10, at Six Flags Over Georgia for the fourth annual Rainbow Days at the popular amusement park. While the park will be open to the general public, Rainbow Days gold ticket holders can also access special entertainment and dining.
“We’re most excited about our new sponsors, all of our new attendees as well as the old ones, the commitment ceremonies and of course the unification of the LGBT community,” says Carmen Smith, managing partner of Atlanta Premier Events Group, which produces Rainbow Days with presenting sponsor Gayborhood.
The goal of the event is to offer a fun-filled day for LGBT attendees while also sending a message about unity and diversity, and organizers hope attendance will top 3,000.
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“This event is to show people that we are humans too, regardless of our sexual preference,” Smith says. “We’re no less than anyone else and we deserve equality on all aspects. We will show up in record numbers and show unification so that everyone else will know that we are here, we are proud, and we are equal.”
As with the similar Gay Day at Walt Disney World in Florida, Rainbow Days attendees are encouraged to wear red t-shirts to stand out among the other park patrons.
“We are selling our own red t-shirts online. We are planning a huge Sea of Red photo and would like all attendees to purchase a red shirt or to wear red to the park,” Smith says, while adding, “although we encourage this, it is not required. Please come in any comfortable attire and make sure you bring walking shoes.”
Rainbow Days offers tickets at three different price levels, as well as an option for Six Flags season ticket holders to gain access to special Rainbow Days amenities.
For $50, the Gold Package includes park admission, parking and entry into the private Rainbow Days pavilion with entertainment and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
The Silver Package ticket, for $41.99, includes park admission and parking, while the Basic Package for $36.99 includes only park admission, without parking. Those who already have Six Flags season passes can pay $23.99 to add entry to the Rainbow Days pavilion with entertainment and buffet.
All tickets are available on the Rainbow Days website, www.rainbowdaysatsixflags.com. A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to two LGBT nonprofits: the Health Initiative, which focuses on health and wellness, and Lost-N-Found Youth, which helps homeless LGBT young people.
Last year’s Rainbow Days brought in national entertainers, with ‘80s pop icon Tiffany and DJ Cazwell performing.
This year’s entertainment, available to Gold Package holders in the pavilion, focuses mostly on local and regional talent. Performances are slated from DJ Trevor, drag kings Azn and Maile, the Athens Showgirls, Alissah, Twinn City, GA Voice “Best Musician” winner J. Tyler and Dylan Michael. Miko Evans serves as host.
Say ‘I Do’ at Six Flags
Love can be a roller coaster, so why not say “I Do” at an amusement park? New for this year at Rainbow Days is a group commitment ceremony slated for 4:30 p.m. in the private Rainbow Days pavilion area.
“We wanted to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court striking down of DOMA,” Smith says. “We are people too. Our relationships matter just as much as anyone else’s. This is to show people that we are here and we are not going anywhere.”
Smith says response to online registration for the commitment ceremony has been “absolutely amazing.”
“We’d like to keep an accurate list so we do not leave anyone out. That is why we are encouraging pre-registration,” she says. “We will consider walk-up couples for the commitment ceremonies but they have to be at the park by 3 p.m. and possess Gold Package tickets.”
Registered commitment ceremony participants who hold Gold Package tickets will also be entered into a drawing for a reception dinner or cocktail party at Warren City Club for up to 50 guests. It includes wedding photography and a wedding cake.
The winner will be announced during the dinner buffet, which takes place in the pavilion at 6 p.m.
The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel offers a special $99 rate for Rainbow Days attendees.
A Rainbow Days after-party is set for 10 p.m. at 10th & Piedmont, featuring go-go boys, a DJ and live vocalists. There is no cover charge.
Top photo: The 2012 Rainbow Days event drew throngs to Six Flags Over Georgia to enjoy rides, food and special entertainment. (Ride publicity photos via Six Flags on Facebook; 2012 Rainbow Day photos by Brent Corcoran)