LEMON GROVE, Calif. -- Just one week prior to the large San Diego LGBT Pride celebration, this city of approximately 26,000 people in San Diego's East County will hold its own pride event.

The second annual Lemon Grove Pride Celebration will be held Saturday, July 9 from 12-3 pm at the Lemon Grove Branch of the San Diego County Library. The festival will include LGBT art, literature and music, and a lineup of musicians, activities, and prizes.

Organizers are inviting the public to this free event.

"This is an exciting event for the entire community," said Ruth Ketchum, Regional Principal Librarian. "The San Diego County Library strongly supports the free exchange of ideas and lifelong learning through its materials, services and community-sponsored events. The annual Pride Celebration is one of many such events sponsored by local communities to celebrate the diversity of life in San Diego County."

Performers at the event inlcude the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Ensemble, Lisa Sanders, Mary Dolan, and Tori Roze and the Hot Mess.

Participants will also have the opportunity to win a gift basket in the raffle, and get henna tattoos and refreshments sponsored by Chipotle and Starbucks.

A number of community groups such as the Greater San Diego Business Association (GSDBA), The San Diego LGBT Community Center, and the Lambda Archives of San Diego will be present at the event and will have booths set-up to provide information about their services and programs.

"GSDBA is proud to participate in this budding Pride event," said Matt Harding, Association Representative at GSDBA. "Just as the LGBT community lives in all parts of San Diego County, so should expressions of Pride be found across the area. It’s incredible that the library has taken on this fun, community oriented event.

"It’s especially fitting that the library, which ensures equal access to knowledge for San Diegans, takes the lead in bringing Pride to Lemon Grove!"

The library is located at 8073 Broadway in Lemon Grove. For more information visit www.sdcl.org or call (619) 463-9819.

To contribute to the Lemon Grove Pride Celebration through SDGLN's 2011 charitable giving program, click HERE and select "San Diego County Pride Organizations". Note "Lemon Grove Pride" in the comment field.

Lemon Grove Pride Celebration 2010