Pride Week Comes To St. Cloud With New Awards, Raffle, And Community Events

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- One of the largest Pride celebrations in Minnesota outside of Minneapolis is happening next week in St. Cloud.  The 17th annual Pride Week starts Monday, September 14th, and runs through Saturday, September 19th at various locations.

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Spokesperson Angel Hight says they are encouraging supporters to show their colors all week long.

We encourage you to put out any Pride-related signs in your yard, maybe wearing a Pride pin or a shirt, something to help support the community during the week.

Something new this year is a raffle fundraiser. You can buy a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win a rainbow quilt. You can buy your ticket on their website.

Hight says that also new this year are three community awards.

Nominations have rolled in; they were cut off on August 1st.  We have a business, a community member, and a healthcare practitioner that are all going to receive an award at Pride in the Park.

Photo Courtesy of Visit Greater St. Cloud

Pride in the Park at Lake George draws a big crowd every year.

We anticipate usually about 6,000 people coming, so it is very busy.  We typically have about 120 booths.  We have eight to 10 food vendors this year.  A lot of people come from all over.  We're trying to promote ourselves more as Central Minnesota Pride so all of our surrounding communities feel welcome.

Hight says every year the event has grown and welcomes attendees from beyond just St. Cloud.

We have so many people that come from other parts of Minnesota for these events, and we want them to know they are welcome.  Truly trying to collaborate with other smaller Pride events too, really reaching out to greater Minnesota.

This year's events include Pride Trivia, Pride & Peace Walk, a showing of the movie Rocketman, a dance party, a Puppy Parade, and Pride Showcase.