MARSHALL — Marshall Pride is entering its fifth year with a weekend schedule featuring music, community events, and a growing number of local partnerships. Organizers say the event continues to expand in both attendance and support from across the region. 

Julie Walker, Co-Chair of Marshall Pride and a faculty member at Southwest Minnesota State University, has been involved with the event since its early planning stages. She said the community-wide celebration officially began in 2021, building on earlier efforts by groups such as PFLAG. 

“We decided to open Pride up to the whole community,” Walker said. “We hosted a potluck, played yard games, and heard from community leaders, including Mayor Bob Byrnes, who has spoken every year since.” 

Walker said the event was created to offer a public space for LGBTQ+ residents and allies to gather, especially in a time when some voices in the community were expressing opposition. “We wanted to make sure that wasn’t the only message being heard,” she said. 

According to Walker, one of the most noticeable changes over the years has been the increasing willingness of individuals and organizations to publicly support Marshall Pride. 

“In the early years, some donors preferred to stay anonymous. Now we have more businesses and nonprofits asking how they can get involved,” she said. “We’re seeing that being part of Pride has helped them connect with more members of the community.” 

That increased involvement has helped the event grow. Walker said the number of vendors has grown to the point where some have had to be turned away, and the variety of performers has also expanded. 

Walker emphasized the importance of small-town Pride events for those who live in rural areas and may not feel as comfortable attending large-scale celebrations. 

“Larger events like Twin Cities Pride provide anonymity, which can be helpful,” she said. “But smaller events like Marshall Pride give people the opportunity to celebrate their identity where they live, without needing to travel elsewhere.” 

She added that LGBTQ+ residents have long been part of the Marshall community, even if they haven’t always been visible. “People are feeling more comfortable sharing who they are and who they love. That’s something this event supports.” 

In 2024, the Pride Planning Committee posthumously named Saara Raapana as Grand Marshal. Raapana was an early supporter of Marshall Pride and helped launch its first 5K run through her local business. 

“She was one of the first business owners to come forward and say, ‘I want to support Pride,’” Walker said. “She was also someone who supported people privately, not just publicly.” 

Walker said the Grand Marshal is chosen by the committee based on their impact on LGBTQ+ safety and visibility in Marshall. “There are many people who deserve to be recognized, and we look forward to honoring more in the future,” she said. 

This year’s Marshall Pride will take place June 13 to 15 and includes three main events: 

  • Friday Night Trivia at Fuzzy’s: Pride-themed traveling trivia starts at 6:30 p.m. and is hosted by Rob from Push Play Entertainment. Walker said the questions are intended to be fun and accessible for everyone. 
  • Saturday Drag Show at Brau Brothers: The fourth annual drag show will feature returning host Misdiagnosis, two debut performers, and three local entertainers, including Dixon Ice, who was featured on MPR. 
  • Sunday Pride in the Park: The weekend concludes with a full day of performances, food trucks, and family activities at Independence Park. Scheduled acts include Leo Baker from the Upper Sioux Community, the Southwest Nkauj Hmoob Dancers from Walnut Grove, metal band Witch Syndicate, guitarist Dray Potts, Nautical Moth, and the Marshall Area Stage Company. The event also features vendors, a unicorn appearance, laser tag, face painting, and information booths from local nonprofits. 

Organizers note that if rain is forecast, the event may move to an indoor location. Updates will be posted on the Marshall Pride website and social media pages. 

Walker said the weekend is about building connections and visibility in the community. “Marshall Pride continues to grow each year, and we’re looking forward to another weekend of celebration and support.”