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  • 2025 Sonoma County Pride Parade Information

Saturday, May 31 • Fourth Street – Downtown Santa Rosa
Step Off: 11:00 AM

Join us as we celebrate Forty & Fierce years of Pride in Sonoma County with our most vibrant parade yet! Marching through the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, this year’s Ruby Anniversary Parade honors the trailblazers who’ve brought us this far and the fierce future we’re building together.

From dazzling floats and community heroes to drag royalty and local organizations, the parade is a colorful display of love, resilience, and visibility. Whether you’re marching, dancing, rolling, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for everyone in this joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and progress.

We continue to deepen our commitment to creating an inclusive space for all — and that means listening, evolving, and standing together. Our 2025 parade includes updated guidelines for law enforcement participation, shaped by ongoing community conversations. We look forward to continuing these important dialogues in partnership with local organizations dedicated to equity and inclusion.

Come early, wear your ruby red, and help us turn downtown Santa Rosa into a sea of Pride.

master of ceremonies

Debbie has been working in radio broadcasting for nearly thirty years, and has been employed in such places as Washington State and California, including the Oroville and Chico markets. She’s Read More
Debbie Abrams from KZST

Debbie has been working in radio broadcasting for nearly thirty years, and has been employed in such places as Washington State and California, including the Oroville and Chico markets. She’s been on the air at KZST for more than twenty years. She holds two college degrees; in English from UCLA and Broadcast Journalism at Cal State Northridge.

“I love my job and I love radio…because I love to talk! I love to entertain and I love to inform people about what’s going on; and most importantly, I love to give my opinion (except not in the news)!

It’s work, but I really feel like I am playing every day. That’s a fun side: the entertainment part; and there’s a serious side: in an emergency, crisis situation, like a fire or flood. Either way we communicate with the masses and I feel like I make a difference.”

What makes Debbie unique? Where shall we begin? She is by far the most opinionated voice on the radio, besides Brent (but, she’s way less corny)! Debbie tends to be more edgy and push the boundaries a bit because the audience is used to her after all these years.

“I don’t like the word “no.” If anyone says that to me, I may not always listen.”

Debbie is married to Britt Cooper, a.k.a. “Banker Boy” and they have four children between them and reside in Windsor.

Debbie brings her authentic self to the airwaves and considers herself an acquired taste. “I’m like a glass of wine: the more you listen to me, the more you say, “Hey…she really does make sense. And that just makes my day!”

 

Landon McPherson, aka ‘Man Landers’ is your source for untrustworthy and sketchy life advice on Wednesday mornings on KZST. “Landon says what some think and would dare to say”. A Sonoma County Read More
Landon McPherson, aka ‘Man Landers’

Landon McPherson, aka ‘Man Landers’ is your source for untrustworthy and sketchy life advice on Wednesday mornings on KZST. “Landon says what some think and would dare to say”. A Sonoma County native who has been an advocate for the county for many years, promoting tourism, luxury wine country experiences, having served on the Board of Directors of Senior Advocacy Services, (founding) Board Member of Sonoma Family Meal and even a recipient of the elusive ’Forty Under 40’ award; Landon can be seen and heard all over Sonoma County as he emcee’s numerous events each season. Landon thoroughly enjoys being the ‘David’ to Debbie’s ‘Alexis’ on Wednesday mornings on KZST, gardening, and being in bed by 10pm. When out and about, you’ll find him on a random patio (in the shade) with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, brunching at Grossmans or THTR’s Drag Brunch. While Landon *mostly* play well with others, a word of caution: awkward interactions are where he thrives, so if the story is good enough, expect to become part of his next great story on The Debbie Abrams Morning show on KZST.

2025 Grand Marshals

For over 50 years, Holly Near has been a groundbreaking voice for peace, justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. A singer, activist, and feminist icon, Holly’s music and advocacy have amplified global Read More
Holly Near

For over 50 years, Holly Near has been a groundbreaking voice for peace, justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights. A singer, activist, and feminist icon, Holly’s music and advocacy have amplified global movements while remaining rooted in deeply personal truth. Her anthems like “Singing for Our Lives” became rallying cries for the LGBTQ+ community and continue to inspire new generations. A pioneer of the lesbian feminist music scene and founder of cultural archives like Because of a Song, Holly’s work bridges art and activism. As we celebrate 40 years of Sonoma County Pride, we honor Holly for using her voice—literally and figuratively—to create change and elevate queer visibility worldwide.

For more than four decades, Magi Fedorka has been a powerful force for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Sonoma County. As an activist, educator, and community leader, Magi helped shape Read More
Magi Fedorka

For more than four decades, Magi Fedorka has been a powerful force for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Sonoma County. As an activist, educator, and community leader, Magi helped shape the early Pride movement here—coordinating the county’s first Pride Picnic in 1987 and drafting the resolution that led to the official Pride Proclamation in 1992. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime nursing instructor, Magi has advanced LGBTQIA+ health awareness in classrooms and public spaces alike. She is also a founder of LGBTQI+ Legacy Sonoma County, ensuring that queer stories are preserved for future generations. Magi embodies the fierce spirit and resilience that have carried Sonoma County Pride through 40 years of progress.

2025 Honorees

Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
For more than two decades, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have blended activism, drag, and joyful irreverence to uplift Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA+ community. Known for their monthly bingo Read More
Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

For more than two decades, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have blended activism, drag, and joyful irreverence to uplift Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA+ community. Known for their monthly bingo fundraisers and radiant public presence, the Sisters “put the fun in fundraising” while providing vital support to local causes. As champions of inclusion and kindness, their mission is to make everyone feel seen, loved, and accepted. Their fierce commitment to service and celebration reflects the very heart of what Sonoma County Pride has stood for these past 40 years.

Michelle Porter
Michelle Porter’s lifelong commitment to justice and healing has helped shape Sonoma County’s social justice and LGBTQIA+ landscape. A nurse, educator, and activist, Michelle has championed equity through anti-racism workshops, Read More
Michelle Porter

Michelle Porter’s lifelong commitment to justice and healing has helped shape Sonoma County’s social justice and LGBTQIA+ landscape. A nurse, educator, and activist, Michelle has championed equity through anti-racism workshops, housing discrimination lawsuits, and HIV/AIDS education in communities of color. From serving on the Commission on the Status of Women to co-directing Women Against Rape, her work has empowered survivors and fought systemic oppression. As Sonoma County Pride marks 40 years, Michelle’s legacy reminds us that our resilience is rooted in intersectional activism and lived experience.

judges

Athena Rowan Gomez is a transgender, neurodivergent, and disabled Latina advocate, educator, and organizer based in Rohnert Park. She is the visionary behind events like Transgender Day of Visibility 2025 Read More
Athena Rowan Gomez

Athena Rowan Gomez is a transgender, neurodivergent, and disabled Latina advocate, educator, and organizer based in Rohnert Park. She is the visionary behind events like Transgender Day of Visibility 2025 and the first Pride-themed farmers’ markets in Rohnert Park and Cotati. With over 20 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and local government sectors, Athena is a fierce champion for intersectional justice and LGBTQIA+ visibility. She shares her life with her partner, two cats, and their adult children, Samantha and Kieran.

Brandy T. Jones is a proud Black lesbian whose strength and authenticity shine through in everything she does. With a bold spirit and a deep commitment to personal freedom, Brandy Read More
Brandy T. Jones

Brandy T. Jones is a proud Black lesbian whose strength and authenticity shine through in everything she does. With a bold spirit and a deep commitment to personal freedom, Brandy encourages others to embrace their power and find joy in their truth. Her voice is one of resilience and transformation, always challenging us to rise and reclaim our space. Brandy is honored to serve as a judge for the 2025 Sonoma County Pride Parade and bring her vibrant energy to the celebration.

Christian Sullberg is a Sonoma County native, LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate. He is the co-founder of Moustache Baked Goods and Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie, award-winning establishments Read More
Christian Sullberg

Christian Sullberg is a Sonoma County native, LGBTQIA+ entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate. He is the co-founder of Moustache Baked Goods and Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie, award-winning establishments that reflect his passion for creativity and inclusion. Christian served nine years as Board Chair of Positive Images and continues to volunteer with Farm to Fight Hunger, a queer-led nonprofit farm. Whether through his business or advocacy, Christian is committed to building a more supportive and equitable community for all.

Judging Criteria and Awards

  • Judges will be selected from the community by the Parade committee.
  • Each unit will be judged on its overall presentation, and the judges’ decision will be final.
  • Awards will be granted to three places in each judging category.
  • Performances in the parade are only allowed at the Judge’s stand (On Fourth Street at E Street) with a limit of one (1) minute. Stopping the parade to perform in other areas of the parade may result in being pulled from the parade lineup without a refund.
  • The awards will be presented on the Festival Stage at 2:00 pm, May 31, 2025. If the winner is not present, the award will be held by the parade committee, and the winner will be contacted to receive their award.

Judging Categories:

  1. Best Use of Pride Theme: Forty & Fierce!
  2. Most Creative / Original Design
  3. Best Overall

parade route

parade contingents

as of May 23, 2024

travel information

We've tried to make planing your visit to Sonoma County Pride easy. Here is some local hotel, travel details you might find helpful.

Ground Transport

By Bus, By Smart Train or By Car

Accommodation

Where to stay is always important when planning a trip.

Cafe & Restaurant

As for any trip, you need to know where to eat!

FAQs

The Sonoma County Pride planning committee is working hard to finalize details for this year’s Pride events. Once we have finalized the details we will publish FAQs and answers in this location. Thank you for your patience.

What should I wear? – Be festive! Wear lots of color! Don’t be afraid to show your pride and wear rainbows and tons of color! Be sure to dress comfortable, and remember it could be warm so be sure to wear sunscreen!

Are Dogs Allowed? – dogs are allowed so long as they are on a leash and well behaved. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Please take into consideration that we expect a very large crowd and there will be music and controlled chaos.. Some animals might be stressed.