An in-person Third Annual Columbus Pride Festival, which had been rescheduled for Aug. 15 at Mill Race Park in downtown Columbus, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organizing committee made the announcement on Facebook.The group currently is considering a virtual celebration possibly in mid-August, said Sarah Franklin, the event’s publicity coordinator.
“As a committee, we believe strongly in keeping the safety and well being of our supporters at the forefront of all decisions,” organizers wrote in the social media post. “For this reason, we have to do what seems at this time to be the best way to keep our community safe as well as abide by the given CDC (Centers for Disease Control) regulations as they pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The gathering of music, food and various vendors, which attracted an estimated crowd of an estimated 2,000 people its first year in 2018 and 3,500 last year, has become one of the most popular downtown events.
Crowds have included large numbers of those in their teens to 30s, and a mix of others, including local church leaders and members. The event attracted people from areas beyond Columbus such as Bloomington, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
Reaction on social media among residents on the in-person cancellation has been that a virtual gathering will be better than nothing.
The pride festival’s launch made international news when local high school student Erin Bailey planned it as a way to promote inclusion in Columbus. Global media saw it as especially significant because it was in conservative Vice President Mike Pence’s hometown.
Bailey said in numerous interviews 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.
The event exists “to unite Columbus as one community that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion for all, and celebrates (the) LGBTQ (community),” according to organizers.
Information: columbusinpride.org
