MARSHALL — Marshall Pride is celebrating its sixth year this weekend with a growing lineup of entertainment, community activities, food vendors, and family-friendly attractions at the Lyon County Fairgrounds.
Planning Committee Chair Jade Moorse said the event has continued to expand since its beginnings in 2020.
“What you see is a town pride identity within sports, farming, and rural life, and that doesn’t always give people space to explore parts of themselves that may be queer or have a different gender expression,” Moorse said. “Having a rural Pride gives people a chance to find community without having to travel hours away.”
Marshall Pride planning committee member and co-founder Julie Walker said the event began during the pandemic as a small community gathering.
“With a crock pot and a dream, we hosted our first Potluck Pride here in Marshall in 2020,” Walker said. Organizers expected about 50 attendees, but more than 150 people showed up despite heavy rain.
Since then, Marshall Pride has grown significantly, adding a drag show, expanded entertainment, vendors, and community activities. Walker said one of the organization’s goals has been increasing visibility and creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ residents and their allies.
“The queer folks have always been here,” Walker said. “What we wanted to do was create a space where people could come forward and joyfully be together in community and maybe help other people feel like they don’t have to hide who they are.”
This year’s celebration included a Saturday night drag show at Brau Brothers Tap Room featuring performers from across the region, including the event’s first live-singing performer. Sunday’s Pride in the Park celebration at the Lyon County Fairgrounds features a full day of entertainment and activities.
Scheduled performers include Leo Baker Gunnar and Lakota Baker, Stubborn the Rapper, Dray Potts, Flute Loops, Purpose Artisians, Southwest Nkauj Hmoob, and performances by the Marshall Area Stage Company and the Lake Benton Opera House production of Into the Woods.
Additional attractions include Rainbow the Unicorn, a real-life mermaid offering fortunes and trinkets, face painting by Krystl Louwagie, the Crescent Valley LARPers, a children’s activity area, and artist Sammy Jo Miller’s “Portrait of Pride” community art project.
Food vendors will also be on site throughout the day, offering a variety of food and treats for attendees. Organizers say the event continues to grow thanks to support from local businesses, sponsors, community members, and grant funding from the Minnesota Arts Council.
“Yes, we plan the event, but it wouldn’t be growing if it wasn’t that there were people from the community wanting to come and engage, bring their families, and support it,” Walker said.
Organizers say everyone is welcome to attend.
“No matter if you are a member of the queer community, you’re an ally, or you just want to get to know what Pride is about, you’re welcome at Marshall Pride,” Walker said.
Moorse said the event helps create visibility and connections that extend beyond a single weekend.
“Being able to see someone at Pride and know they are a safe person because they’re attending and supporting continues to provide a sense of safety for those who may already experience feeling unsafe in different places,” Moorse said.
More information is available at Marshall Pride’s website and social media pages.
