Round up your family and friends on July 12 and head out to Lincoln-Eldridge Park for a gay old time at Tacoma’s 11th annual Out In The Park, the city’s official family-friendly celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride.

This year marks an important change from years past, as the event will not be held in Wright Park. In fact, organizers were forced to scramble to find another summer venue after being notified that construction in Wright Park has rendered it unusable for the event that draws upwards of 4,000 people.

“It was a real surprise, and a challenge,” said Shelly Maas, co-chair of Out In Tacoma, which puts on the festival each year. She said Lincoln-Eldridge Park (located at South Yakima and South 37th Street) will work just fine this year, but added that the Out in Tacoma board is keeping all options open. “We’re really excited about the opportunity to try a new location,” she said. “We’re going to see how it works this year, but we’re definitely open to anything. We want the community to share with us what they’re thinking at the end of the day. This event is supposed to reflect our community, and we want to know how we’re doing.”

She noted that Lincoln-Eldridge Park does not offer space “to grow into,” as each year Out In The Park attracts more and more people.

While Seattle’s huge pride day march remains the “flagship” celebration in the Northwest, Tacoma’s event has its own distinct merits and brings in people from all walks of life who enjoy a more low-key and less crowded outing where children are welcome to participate with their parents and siblings. A special children’s area for those 12 and under will offer a bouncy house, crafts area, bubble table, face painting, clowns, and magic shows.

Over the years, Out In The Park organizers have taken pride that no big sponsorship dollars from alcohol or tobacco companies are used to fund the festival, but with costs across the board increasing each year they may be forced to make a change and consider approaching a large beer distributor for financial help. “The board has discussed it,” Maas said. “We’re not sure if we’re going to or not. We’re ready to go to the community and get their feelings on it.” She expressed hope that local businesses will step forward and offer to help.

WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO

This year Out In The Park has some new things in store, including a more intimate second stage called Culture Club Stage co-sponsored by Equal Rights Washington. It will feature political discussions, baking and flower arranging contests, as well as local visual artists, poets, singers and other performances like the much-loved Oasis Youth Monologues.

The mainstage will be as busy as ever, with returning hosts Jenu-Wine Beaute and Lady Chablis keeping everything in order. The headliner this year will be singer/songwriter Danielle Egnew from Los Angeles, hailed by Curve magazine as one of the 10 most powerful lesbians in music.

Other mainstage performers include the “countrypolitan” sounds of Purty Mouth and award-winning heavy soul and groove jammers, The Kim Archer Band. And there is always room for stunning drag queens and kings to perform, including the ever-popular “Drag for Dollars” segment of their on-stage show.

Vendor booths will be set up throughout the park offering a cross-section of local non-profit organizations, artisans, businesses and merchandise, and a food court will be offering the wares of local vendors.

Tacoma’s Pride Week runs July 5-12, and there are more events going on to celebrate it. Egnew will be playing at the Tempest Lounge on July 9 with Raymond Hayden, 9-11 p.m., and July 10 at Mandolin Café in a free concert with about half a dozen other performers, 7-10 p.m.

On July 10, Tacoma Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays will hold an ice cream social with special guest speaker Retired Rear Admiral Alan Steinman who will be showing the video “Ask Not,” about the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, 7-9 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7410 S. 12th St.

Out In The Park kicks off at noon and lasts until 7 p.m. Maas said volunteer helpers are always welcome, especially young people who can offer ideas on how the event can continue reflecting its community. E-mail Maas at shelly@outintacoma.org or visit www.outintacoma.org.