KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Pride festival planned for the city’s downtown this summer has been canceled amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
OutFront Kalamazoo announced on Tuesday that the event scheduled for June 5th-6th at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place has been called off for the year out of concerns over public health.
“I know this is disappointing news for so many. This has been a difficult decision to make, but our highest priority has always been the health and safety of Pride attendees, performers, volunteers, and staff,” said OutFront Executive Director Amy Hunter in a released statement.
Hunter said that the event has in past years brought thousands into Kalamazoo to celebrate the LGBTQ community and honor historical events that furthered civil rights. Pride Month is held in June each year to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which paved the way for the modern gay rights movement.
Organizers believe the large numbers of people gathering for the event would pose a risk for potential COVID-19 exposure.
“Over the past four weeks, we had considered data from the medical community, consulted with civic leaders, sponsors, and allies in order to determine our best course of action. It became clear that Pride should not be rescheduled, but canceled,” said Grayson Valenti, OutFront’s Director of Operations.
Despite the cancelation, OutFront Kalamazoo is planning a series of virtual events to celebrate Pride Month. A listing of online activities and events will be announced on the organization’s website.
