COVINGTON, Ky. - It’s going to be a colorful time in Covington on Sunday.

 

We mean that literally, since rainbow flags will be in full display. And we mean that symbolically, as the themes of inclusion, diversity, and equality dominate City streets. (Otherwise known as core values in LoveTheCov country.)

 

It’s the annual NKY Pride parade and all its associated events.

 

This weekend is also the annual Covington Garden Tour, the opening of City pools, the Farmers Market, a big 5K run - you know, all those fabulous outdoors activities that will likely be rained on.

 

For many OTHER activities, check out the “Miscellaneous” section.

 

NKY Pride “Y’all Means All!” culminates Sunday with four events in support of the LGBTQ community.

 

The day starts with pre-parade Launch Parrrrrty, HERE, hosted by Lil’s Bagels and Roebling Point Books & Coffee in the Roebling Point District.

 

Then there’s the main event, the parade through Covington streets, HERE, organized by Northern Kentucky Fairness. About 1,500 people participated last year while thousands more watched. (Read about the City’s involvement, HERE.) There’s a judges’ table in front of Braxton Brewing Co. on Seventh Street, with a City department head as a judge.

 

Then there’s the family-friendly Pridefest at Goebel Park (where the parade ends), HERE.

 

And there’s the free Official After Party at Hotel Covington HERE, featuring a bevy of queens and kings from the region (note $1 from every drink will be donated to NKY Pride).

 

Many Covington businesses and organizations are marching in the parade. Or they are getting in on the event with side activities, including a drag show at Agave & Rye, HERE... a Watch Party at Gateway Community & Technical College, HERE ... the Yoga on the Promenade, Pride Edition by Rooted Yoga, HERE.

 

White clover, dandelions, spear thistle, common nettle, plantain -- our garden (er, lawn) has LOTS of flowers.

 

But if you’re aiming for something higher (much higher), and you need inspiration, you will find plenty during the two-day Covington Garden Tour.

 

One ticket can be used both days of the tour, which this year features 15 fantastic gardens in the neighborhoods of Old Seminary Square, Westside, and Old Town/Mutter Gottes.

 

The registration desk will sit at Robbins and Russell streets for the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. tours, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Info and tickets are available HERE.

 

While it might seem like the rain is never going to stop (for more than 12 hours, at least), eventually it WILL be sunny and WILL be hot.

 

So it’s worth noting that Saturday is the official opening day for the City of Covington’s Randolph and Goebel pools and the Water Park/Splash pad.

 

For information about the pools, swim season and pool passes, HERE.

 

Need exercise? For a good cause?

 

Saturday morning it’s the annual Donut Dash 5K Run and Walk at Pioneer Park.

 

Hosted by the Salvation Army, proceeds are used to send local kids to overnight summer camp at Camp SWONEKY.

 

Info, HERE.

 

Get your fresh produce on Saturday (plus baked goods, meats, soups, spices, eggs etc. etc.) at the Covington Farmers Market. The second Saturday of the month means free yoga and a pet adoption event, plus live music.

 

Check it all out - plus your Covington Farmers Market gear - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Third Street.

 

Info, HERE.

 

And then there’s ... the Doggy Ice Cream Social on Saturday at Roebling Points Books & Coffee, HERE ... the ‘80s Music Trivia night on Friday at Keystone Bar & Grill, HERE ... Week 2 of Yoga Fit with Rooted Yoga in Devou Park on Saturday morning, HERE ... the Covington Community Ice Cream Social at Piper’s Café on Sunday, HERE ... Stephen Marley Acoustic Jams tour at Madison Theater on Friday night, HERE ... Madcap Puppets: The Great Space Caper for kids at the Kenton County Public Library on Saturday, HERE ... the barre3 class Saturday at Braxton Brewing Co., HERE ... Redwood Rehabilitation Center’s fourth-annual charity golf outing Saturday at Devou Park Golf Course, HERE ... open registration all weekend for classes at Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center, HERE ... and Date Night at the Pottery Wheel on Friday night, also at Baker Hunt, HERE.

 

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