SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Tens of thousands of participants are expected to attend the annual Springfield PrideFest this month.
The day-long festival, which will take place on May 14, celebrates diversity and the Central Illinois LGBTQ community.
“PrideFest is an important day in Springfield. The energy is so amazing with people coming to see friends and support our LGBTQ community,” said Jonna Cooley, Executive Director of Phoenix Center.
Nearly 30,000 attendees participate every year, according to the Phoenix Center.
The celebration will kick-off with a parade, sponsored by Molina Healthcare, at 11:30 a.m. at Fifth and Allen streets and go north to Fifth and American Legion Drive. A ribbon-cutting will take place at noon followed immediately by a performance by the Springfield Municipal Band.
Springfield PrideFest
PrideFest will feature entertainment, food trucks and over 100 vendors. A family area, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, will have ongoing activities from noon until 6:00 p.m. including face painting, art projects, vendors, a teen drag show and more.
The Clique Main Stage, will host a full day of music starting including the bands Rock ‘n Roll Sisters and The Brat Pack. Entertainment is sponsored by C.O.R.A.L.
PrideFest will conclude with a Drag Show at 7:30 p.m. featuring Deana Knight, Gardenia, Anja Mann, Chad W. Knight, J. Estellado Knight and Liquor Mini, sponsored by Designer Landscapes.
Food vendors will include local favorites such as Vose’s Korndogs, Culler’s Fries, Bells’ Finest BBQ, Shroom Shack, It’s All Good, Gyro Stop, The Wakery, Sour Puss Lemonade, Foodie Machine, Heaven Cynt and Mahalo Shaved Ice. Clique will be hosting a cocktail lounge at the event.
Springfield PrideFest updates can be found on Facebook as well as springfieldpride.org. Those interested in volunteering for the event can also sign-up on the website.
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