The Columbus Pride Festival that attracted an estimated 2,500 people on a rainy spring day last year will return downtown on April 13.
The free event, set for noon to 4 p.m. April 13, will be held on the 500 block of Fifth Street in front of the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza to allow room for emergency vehicles and more room for attendees to gather, said Katelynn Herrick, coordinator.
She said city officials were concerned after last year’s event included some crowding along the two blocks of Fourth Street where the event was held last year.
Erin Bailey, now a student at Herron School of Art + Design in Indianapolis, launched that event as her senior project at Columbus Signature Academy New Tech High School. Regional, national and international media picked up the story of the event they saw as especially significant because it was in conservative Vice President Mike Pence’s hometown.
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“This is about carrying on Erin’s vision,” said Herrick, a newcomer to Columbus.
Bailey said in numerous interviews locally, nationally and internationally that part of her vision was showing people that Columbus was welcoming to all people, including people who are lesbian, bisexual, gay, transsexual and others. Bailey said she identifies as bisexual.
Herrick is working with planning committee members — people who have kept in touch with Bailey and her wishes — to organize the new event.
For now, the festival is operating under the umbrella of Pride Alliance of Columbus.
“We’re calling her our guiding compass,” Herrick said.
Currently, they are overseeing a Go Fund Me campaign on the Facebook page for Columbus IN Pride to build a budget of about $5,000.
Currently, donations, from as small as $5 to as large as $500, are nearing $1,000 since the drive began Feb. 3. Organizers also would like to add a person with a financial background to those planning the festival.
The new portion of the event will include food and other vendors, but Herrick said it is too early to say how many. It will include a drag queen show, among the more popular parts of last year’s festival. And it might include live music.
“But it definitely would have to be family-friendly,” she said.
A band from last year triggered complaints from some attendees who found their lyrics offensive, she said.
Organizers are hoping this year’s crowd could be as large or larger than last year’s.
“That’s what we’re planning for,” Herrick said. “We seem to still have that reach.”
Ian Kohen, one of the members of the planning committee, said he feels confident that the event, which attracted people and LGBT groups from areas such as Indianapolis and Bloomington, will be a success again.
“There will be all the fun as last time,” he said.
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What: Columbus Pride Festival
When: Noon to 4 p.m. April 13
Where: 500 block of Fifth Street and the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza.
Admission: Free.
How you can help: Donations are being accepted at the Facebook page for Columbus IN Pride.
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