Kokomo Pride Festival Welcomes All to Celebration
The historic bricks of the 500 block of North Buckeye Street will transform into a vibrant celebration of diversity and unity from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, as the Kokomo Pride Festival returns for an all-out afternoon of live performances, food, art and more — all centered on embracing inclusivity and a sense of community.
Live music from 2022’s Kokomo Pride Festival
Photo Provided | Kokomo Pride
Sheyenne Adams, the festival’s chairperson, said they are eager to welcome the public for an event that not only celebrates LGBTQ Pride but what the Kokomo community has to offer as a whole.
“We’ll have vendors all along the street, a Pride booth, live music, the Community Care Mobile, local artists, nonprofits, food from The Radish Market & Cafe, Lucky Lemon, Moore’s Pie Shop and more,” said Adams.
In an effort to diversify the live entertainment offered at this year’s festival, there will be amateur artists from the Kokomo Pride Youth Group playing in between sets played by Juice Falls, as well as a drag show featuring Glinda B. Fierce and other drag performers following the festival’s end.
“We’re all about diversity, not just about bands but allowing people in the community to express themselves too,” they said.
Community Members Fill Buckeye Street at the 2022 Pride Festival.
Photo Provided | Kokomo Pride
“Being part of an LGBTQ community, you’re labeled as ‘weird’ or ‘other,’” Adams said. “Instead of feeling like we’re being put aside, we’re celebrating our differences.”
Kokomo Pride wants to emphasize this event is for everyone, no matter your age, gender or sexual orientation.
“Businesses can have a sticker on their door that says they are LGBTQ friendly, they can have it on their website, they can use their marketing and turn it rainbow for the month of June, but it doesn’t mean anything unless they actually are backing the LGBTQ community,” Adams said. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Guests can expect a lot of color, a lot of people and a lot of noise. But there will be a quiet space inside of Sun King Kokomo for those who need a break from the excitement.
“It’s a joyful experience, but it can also be overwhelming. That sense of community, when you show up and you have these people who are already a community but you can feel the acceptance, and it’s amazing,” said Adams.
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: Buckeye Street, Sun King Kokomo
Information: https://kokomopride.lgbt/festival/
