The Macomb PrideFest returns on Sunday, June 27.
Organized by the new Macomb Pride club, PrideFest is happening at Glenwood Park in Macomb, from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
After pausing for COVID, the annual event features vendors, DJ and music, a poetry walk, community drum circle, free raffle, a silent auction, guest speakers, crafts, and a drag show at 7 p.m.
All participants may enter our free raffle drawing to win a Pride Rainbow flag at the event. Macomb Pride is also organizing for two new LGBTQ supporting groups in the community: PFLAG – Macomb, and Free Mom Hugs of Macomb.
The service projects for this event are a diaper/period product drive to benefit housing and a diverse book drive for the little free libraries and housing.
If the pool is open, the concession stand will be available, but offerings are limited. Festival guests are encouraged to pack in a picnic, with a grill available for those who want to cook.
Event Schedule
- 1:00 – PrideFest Opens
- 2:00 – Community Drum Circle
- 3:00 – Q & A Session w/Planned Parenthood’s Dana Garber on Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy (GAHT) program, access, transition related questions, and the life-saving importance of gender affirming healthcare for minors.
- 4:00 – Q & A Session with Holly Dorman, Galesburg PFLAG, on supporting LGBTQ+ family and friends.
- 5:00 – Speakers (Unfiltered: language may not be suitable for children.)
- 7:00 – Drag Show
Other speakers include Dr. Kristy Keefe, Psy.D., Associate Professor of Psychology and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in LGBTQ issues & complex trauma; Poet Keianna Miller; Ezra Collum, Peoria Black Lives Matter Organizer and Trans Activist; Dr. William Thompson, WIU UPI; and John Huston, Community Organizer & Leadership Team, Racial Justice Coalition, and more.
Sponsors for this year’s event include the Democratic Women of McDonough County, The McDonough County Humane Society, WIU’s University Diversity Council, WIU UPI Faculty/Staff Union UPI Local 4100, Dick Blick, The Ritz. Hy-Vee, Michaels, Wicked Ts and Early Beginnings.
Donations are still needed to help cover insurance and logistics costs. Donations to help cover insurance and logistical costs can be made via check to “Macomb Pride.” Donations are not tax-deductible.