Diversity Weekends first started in 2001 with just a small gathering. Now the events held three times a year not only provides the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community the opportunity to gather together in an inclusive, festive environment, but the weekends also inject a lot of money into the local economy.
Diversity Weekend on Nov. 1 and 2 will draw an estimated 2,000 visitors to town, Director of Out in Eureka, Jay Wilks, said. Those numbers come from surveys distributed during Diversity Weekend that indicate where visitors are from, how many nights they are staying in town, and what brought them here. Often, entertainment is a big draw.
“We had 800 room nights for Miss Coco Peru in the spring, and 400 room nights for Jimmy James in August,” Wilks said. “After an event, I take all the survey information and put it into a spreadsheet to be presented to the City Advertising and Promotion Committee at the end of the year. That helps us get funding. This year the CAPC sponsored $5,000 for diversity weekends for the year, which helps with our marketing.”
Another way to measure economic activity is checking with merchants who offer discounts. Participants can purchase a wrist band for $5 that can be used for discounts at local businesses.
Special events on Diversity Weekend include the Friday evening Meet and Greet at Brews co-sponsored by the Human Rights Commission.
Friday night at the Aud is the HBO documentary WIG about Lady Bunny, who started an outdoor drag queen festival called Wigstock in New York in 1998. Admission is free and no tickets are needed. There will be a question-and-answer session with Lady Bunny following the documentary.
Saturday, there are Diversity in the Park activities with vendors, non-profit organizations with booths, and music.
A full list of all of the events sponsored by Out in Eureka can be found on their Facebook page.