June is LGBT Pride month and Sioux Falls is preparing for annual downtown events, including live music and performances. This year’s festival includes the state’s first ever Pride Parade—an event that’s popular in large cities across the world.
The Sioux Falls Pride festival draws in people from all over South Dakota and some from surrounding states. Quinn Kathner is the president of Sioux Falls Pride. She says the Pride Parade is a big deal.
“The movement of being able to walk, to be visible, to be proud speaks volumes of the momentum that we can create for the festival. It’s something that’s alive and active. And it showcases the community spirit.”
Kathner says local businesses, community and clergy members are participating in the parade. Sioux Falls Pride is planning for five thousand in attendance.
An American Express travel article recently ranked the South Dakota pride event as number 11 in the world. Kathner says that article showcases their growth.
“Five to six years ago we were in Mckennan Park, I think we probably had 500 people attend. And to see where we’ve come today as number 11 in the world—It just speaks volumes of the community volunteers and the attendees that come.”
She says the influx of people over the weekend economically benefits local businesses like food trucks, restaurants and bars. Kathner adds that large events like this can help attract people to move to Sioux Falls.
“They look at what’s available. They look at the events that are happening in real time essentially, in the community that they live in. So having this festival, having the parade speaks to other individuals that are moving to Sioux Falls saying ‘hey, we are an inclusive community and this is one way that we’re doing it.”
The Pride Parade is scheduled to take place at 10 am Saturday on Philip’s Ave. Later events include a festival in the park and Pride afterparty.