PrideFest makes triumphant return to downtown Springfield

Nestled between the many rainbow flags, banners and t-shirts at PrideFest Saturday afternoon was a kaleidoscope of umbrellas. 

It was a sign of how the weather wasn't exactly cooperating with the event's return to downtown Springfield after a two-year absence. Nevertheless, thousands of people shielded themselves against the heavy rains before it all cleared up and had as much fun as possible in support of anyone just trying to be who they are.

Jonna Cooley, director of the Phoenix Center and one of the event's organizers, said even with the rain, it felt good for people to get together and gather as they had prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's great to be back and offer up some chances for people to come out, celebrate and have a good day," Cooley said.

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There was a parade and more than 80 vendors, ranging from area businesses to government agencies to advocacy groups, braved the weather to join in on the fun. Cooley said that they aim to try and diversify the kinds of events and booths that are present at the event each year, even if the event is similar to what it had been in the past.

"We just try to add more and different (things) and diversify every year so that it's not the same," Cooley said. "That's our goal each year -- changing up things."

Event coordinators say that they try and find ways for people to have family-friendly fun, with all kinds of activities and music for people of any age.

"It's always been a family-fun event," said Duane Williams, an event co-chair and entertainment coordinator. "All the music that's played is family-friendly, radio edit. Even in the drag show tonight, it will all be family-friendly."

For the businesses who set up shop downtown to hawk at least a few of their wares, the event was a way to show people that they appreciate the LGBTQIA+ community and that they are aligned in support of a common goal.

James Goltermann, southern Illinois brand ambassador for Ascend Cannabis Dispensaries, said that it was among the company's missions to try and support LGBTQIA+ people and have a major presence at events like PrideFest.

"It's an integral part of our company goals to align with all things LGBTQ+," Goltermann said. "This is our second year as a sponsor (and) we wanted to do something fun this year, have as many employees walk in the parade as well as show (our) face."

As state law restricts them from being able to sell their products at the event or provide free samples, Ascend could show off empty boxes of items sold at their two Springfield locations. Still, it was one major way that the company could support the community through LGBTQIA+ awareness.

"This is literally in our backyard," Goltermann said. "It only makes sense for us to support the community and to show a good face. We are a main sponsor this year (and) we're super proud to be here."

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Cooley has been in her current role with the Phoenix Center for 16 years, seeing the evolution of LGBTQIA+ rights in Springfield and beyond in that time. So much has been accomplished for the community in that time, but Cooley knows that there's still plenty of work to be done, even as PrideFest grows bigger each year.

"I've seen lots of changes and lots of improvements with (new) laws, rights and equality," Cooley said. "At the same time, sometimes things change and sometimes they never do. We still have reports of people who deal with discrimination at work and school, so while some things are better, other things aren't."

Contact Zach Roth: (217) 899-4338; ZDRoth@gannett.com; @ZacharyRoth13