Greater Ozarks Pridefest in Springfield, MO

Springfield, Missouri’s Greater Ozarks Pridefest will be Saturday, June 15, from 11 am to 5 pm. The annual event will once again be held at Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. GLO – the Gay and Lesbian Center of the Ozarks sponsors the event.

This year’s theme of “Equality Through Visibility,” will be evident in our community-wide celebration featuring live music and entertainment celebrating the diversity of the Ozarks. Pridefest increases public awareness of the LGBTQ community to eliminate homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination. Our mission is to celebrate and promote the history, diversity, and future prosperity of the Greater Ozarks LGBTQ Community.

Before festivities commence on the square, the first annual Greater Ozarks Pridefest March will assemble at 11 am at the intersection of Chestnut St. and Booneville Ave., just south of City Hall. Embodying the theme of “Visibility,” and walking with wisdom set forth by historical marches in our LGBTQ history, members will descend towards the square at 11:30 am.

Charles Abernathy, Pridefest March director stated, “I am really proud of what the committee has been able to do with Pride and in the downtown area. The community march will not only be profound but will be in solidarity for LGBTQ individuals who have faced discrimination and persecution in the Ozarks.”

The community is invited and encouraged to march with their families, church groups, and community organizations in this almost half-mile stretch towards the center city. In accordance with the City of Springfield and the Springfield Police Dept., streets will be blocked and participants safely led to march to Park Central Square to kick off Pridefest 2013.

Starting from its origins as a picnic in Phelps Grove Park, past years’ crowds of over two thousand individuals have turned out for this very special celebration in the heart of our city. Speeches and opening invocations led by the words of Springfield City Mayor Bob Stephens and local pastor Rev. Dr. Phil Snider will commence at 12:00 pm on the square.

Snider, the Senior Minister of Springfield’s Brentwood Christian Church recently stated that he “was honored to be asked to speak at Pride. It is a chance to address what is very dear to my heart. I am so encouraged and inspired by so many of my friends that will be in attendance at Pride. I look forward to celebrating and meeting new members of our Springfield community.”

For 2013, Pridefest proudly hosts St. Louis singer/songwriter Summer Osborne singing the National Anthem and a midafternoon concert from 12:45 pm – 2 pm. The free celebration continues all afternoon including styling’s of the Men’s Chorus of the Ozarks, which will be performing at 4 pm at the performance pavilion. Activities for all ages will be available throughout the day including a children’s play area sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard which will border the north edge of the festivities.

During Pridefest and the month of June the Park Central Branch Library will be hosting an LGBTQ speaker and art display featuring art by the youth of GALAGXY. Additional month long events include the Queen City Cabaret on June 9, at 7pm at the Howard Johnson hotel, Tickets are $10 at the door or in advance at AIDS Project of the Ozarks, Tangles, GLO Center and Obelisk Home. Look for other events at APO After Dark, Gay Men’s Health Outreach, Haven Mpowerment Project, Martha’s Vineyard, Touché and Mix Ultra Lounge.

Pridefest, the correspondingGreater Ozarks Pridefest Committee and the countless volunteers that put this and other LGBTQ events together represent the unity of the Ozarks and highlight those that value a diverse community. Diversity bridges our differences and enriches our lives within our local community. Pridefest is a family celebration and on behalf of our family of friends and neighbors, we invite you to attend the Greater Ozarks Pridefest 2013.

RSVP for the First Annual Pridefest March and for all day events on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/510882805600272/