Kansas City Pagan Pride :: PPD 2000

Well, folks, I'm sitting here a little shell shocked, bone tired, but enormously happy. PPD III was, by any estimation, a rousing and complete success.

Final head count about 15 minutes into a terrific set from Elvendrums came to 200, +/- 5 or so. This represents an increase of 80 people over last year's total. We used every square inch of parking available at Shelter #6, and some that wasn't supposed to be available, but the Lord, the Lady and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department smiled on us as one... we had not a single problem, and the site was looking very clean and tidy when I departed. Special thanks to everyone who made sure that we were good citizens of both this city and the planet.

I scarcely know what to say about this event. There simply aren't enough superlatives in my meager vocabulary. The speakers were uniformly excellent and engaging, the crowd was wonderful, and the entertainment nothing sort of grand. Closing ritual was attended by 75 people (and a dog, sez Fyre Spirit...). I didn't get the final totals on what was raised for Wayside Waifs, but there must have been at least $300.00+ worth of food and supplies, and the cash total was still growing the last time I checked. The silent auction benefit for Witches' Voice, suggested by Selene and beautifully pulled off by SpOOkitty and associates, raised $825.00. I think both fund raisers succeeded beyond imagination, and everyone who contributed cash and items and those who bid on the silent auction items are to be commended.

Today we all showed what can be accomplished if we simply band together, support one another and our community, and work toward a common goal. Every single one of you helped to make this day something to be remembered and cherished. I want to thank you all for attending, and I also want to thank the organizers of this event for their hard work and flawless execution. Raven Spirit, Fyre Spirit, KC Starr, Selene Rati, SpOOkitty, Amber Silvermoon, Infiniti, Aislinn Awatake, Harmony... I am honored to be associated with you. I love you all, and I'm proud to call you my friends and brethren. Special thanks also must be rendered to HSA for their generous donations to secure the site (and thanks to the others who kicked into the reservation kitty as well) as well as the beverages. Jerry's of Westport, House of Hezekiah, and Elvendrums were also instrumental in making this event a success with their donations of merchandise and, most importantly, their time.

What will next year bring? Bigger and better, certainly, but only with everyone's continued support and creative ideas. So rest up, and put on your thinking caps. Together, you can make PPD IV another rousing triumph of the Pagan Spirit.

Patrick