Owasso Pride Festival draws record crowd and community support

During a recent government meeting, representatives from Owasso Pride highlighted the success of the Pride Festival held on June 22nd at Kerwood Castle, which attracted over 1,200 attendees despite the warm weather. The festival saw a significant increase in participation, featuring 50 vendors compared to just 20 the previous year, and a waitlist has already been established for next year’s event. Local volunteers played a crucial role in the festival's success, with over 30 community members stepping up to assist.

Erica, a board member of Owasso Pride, expressed gratitude towards the City of Owasso and Councilperson Janae Fear for their ongoing support and leadership. She also acknowledged the presence of the mayor and the Owasso Public Safety Department, particularly Chief Linkart, emphasizing the importance of their support in fostering a safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Patrice Martin, another community member, contributed to the discussion by sharing insights on the significance of pride events in small towns across Michigan. She noted that many attendees return to their hometowns for these events, feeling welcomed and accepted for the first time. Martin underscored the importance of creating a sense of belonging and community, particularly for young people, and referenced research indicating that communities with strong social connections tend to have healthier local economies.

The meeting concluded without further comments from the council, but the discussions underscored a commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Owasso and beyond.