MARSHALL — The Marshall Pride event was held on Sunday at Independence Park. Saara Raappana was posthumously honored as the 2024 Marshall Pride grand marshal. Raappana, a passionate LGBTQ+ advocate, passed away on March 27th, 2024.
Raappana, co-owner of Restored Strength gym and a published poet, was instrumental in supporting Marshall Pride from its inception. Her business was the first to sponsor the event, reflecting her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, despite potential risks to her business.
The event featured informational booths, voter registration, various vendors, live music, food trucks, and unique attractions like a palm reader. The large turnout highlighted the community’s growing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ members, a significant shift from when such events were limited to big cities.
Eric Doise, Raappana’s husband and an associate professor of English at Southwest Minnesota State University, expressed gratitude for the recognition of his late wife. Raappana’s contribution to organizing the group’s first 5K run and her community-building efforts were particularly noted.
