Peace Park to hold Pagan Pride Day

The Mid-Missouri Pagan Pride Inc. Divination Dinner paid for the event.

By Alexandria Seay

Published Aug. 25, 2009

The Center Project hosted the Mid-Missouri Pagan Pride Inc. Divination Dinner July 31 to raise money for Pagan Pride Day, which will take place in Peace Park Sep. 27.

"Paganism is an umbrella term for all nature-based religions," said Rose Wise, the high priestess from Ozark Avalon Church.

Ozark Avalon, along with the MU Multicultural Center and River and Joyce Higginbotham, are sponsors for both events. Money from the dinner is going toward entertainment, insurance and equipment for Pagan Pride Day.

Pagan Pride Day is free of charge thanks to the fundraiser dinner, but attendees are requested to bring donations of canned goods or clothing. These items are donated to a local woman's shelter and to Loaves and Fishes. Last year, more than 600 pounds of clothing and food were raised and the coordinators hope to be even more successful this year.

"It is a day of celebration," Wise said.

The purpose of Pagan Pride Day is to promote education and religious tolerance. There will be jewelry makers, pottery booths, belly dancing and other vendors and non-profit organizations. Workshops are also a part of the festivities; chanting workshops, spiritual work and community building are expected to play a part in this year's Pagan Pride Day. There will be several entertainers present at the event, including the international authors, M.R. Selleres and River and Joyce Higginbotham.

"It is fairly common for Pagans to run into issues when they announce their religion," said Victoria Chance, facilitator of Mid-Missouri Pagan Pride Inc.

Dinner coordinator Lisa Kimble said it is common for Pagans to be discriminated against for their religion.

"Shortly after Pagan articles are run, sometimes Pagans who participated are suddenly fired for other reasons," Kimble said. "The idea of promoting education and tolerance is not only the Pagan religion, but all religions. People fear what they don't know."

Tickets to the dinner were $18 for a single ticket and $30 for any couple. Admission included food, entertainment and the buyer's choice of three divinations.

The night's entertainment was an array of Deva Dancers, or belly dancers.

"We had a great turn-out," Kimble said. "People were excited to have the opportunity to partake and experience a variety of divination mediums."

Divination choices included tarot cards, tea leaves, runes, astrology charting and clairvoyants. Most of them were from the Columbia area.

"It is interesting because people go to get a divination with an answer in mind already," Kimble said. "They seem to know what they need to do and are searching for an easier way to get to their goal."

The dinner raised the necessary funds for the Pagan Pride Day. Mid-Missouri Pagan Pride Inc. looks forward to Columbians coming out and supporting their efforts to spread tolerance and promote education of the religion while having a good time.