ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – Pride is in full effect in downtown St. Louis this weekend, as Saturday marked the first day of celebrations all across the region.
While Saturday was marked with spotty showers and high humidity, that didn’t seem to dampen any moods or stop the celebrations, as people from all over St. Louis came out to celebrate this community.
“Gay, straight, bi, trans – whatever you are, you can just come support,” one attendee exclaimed.
“We’re here to support our friends and our people and our city,” another group of attendees said. “We’re here to support St. Louis.”
Rainbow flags and outfits transformed the downtown area into a place of comfort for many.
“It’s actually my first pride ever,” an attendee said. “And this has been something I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time.”
“It’s just like really nice being in a space where there are so many people that are just like me and I get to see and interact with people,” another attendee told First Alert 4.
This year marks the 46th annual PrideFest, and leaders told us it comes at a very important time.
“We do it because we want our community to have the opportunity to celebrate who we are. In our community, we have beautiful people, we have diverse people,” Jordan Braxton, a director with PrideFest St. Louis, explained. “Pride also may be the first time that somebody can come out and see people like them and celebrate who they are and just let their hair down, exhale, and just have a good time.”
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come without controversy. A new safety plan is in place this year, following the violence that hampered last year’s event.
“We’re going to make sure everyone is safe this weekend,” Braxton stated. “The bar owners said if something jumps off in the streets, they’re gonna protect the patrons. The St Louis Police Department said they’re going to watch out for everything.”
Those added measures didn’t seem to lessen any spirits.
“There are so many people selling so many amazing things and like artists and like crafts, and it’s just really fun,” an attendee exclaimed.
“It’s so fun to see everyone’s outfits,” a group of attendees said. “Everyone is dressed so different.”
While day one is over, there’s still a lot more to come on Sunday. Even more performances, vendors, community events and even the grand parade are on deck for tomorrow.
And, of course, even more community.
“Come and celebrate and have joy and come and see the beauty that is in the St. Louis community,” Braxton said with a smile.
“I’m so excited to come back. I’m so excited to share this event with people,” a group of attendees exclaimed.
“(We’re excited for) more outfits, more rainbows, more community,” an attendee said with a laugh.
For more information about this year’s events, or to buy tickets, you can go to this link. Tickets are $10 for the whole weekend.
The festival will take place Sunday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Grand Pride Parade begins at noon Sunday along Market Street.
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