Marion educator to speak at Pride March, cruise

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - After completing his second annul multi-count Pride Run earlier this month, a local educator will be the featured speaker on Saturday at the Southern Illinois Price March and Cruise in Carbondale.

The event this weekend will assemble at 10 a.m. in city lot 4 on Route 51 and South Illinois Avenue across from Gaia House.

Tim Kee is scheduled to speak at 10:15 a.m. His address will begin the demonstration.

Kee completed his second annual Bi-County Pride Run on June 11, running from Marion to Carbondale.

"I started with a simple idea of linking Marion to Carbondale, in the hopes of spreading inclusivity across county lines," Kee said.

Now Kee will be an inspiration for others.

The Carbondale event welcomes both a "cruise" as well as a march, led by Grand Marshalls Jodie Bailey and Julie Socorro.

Those planning to drive in the cruise are encouraged to demonstrate pride with decorations that are well-secured and do no obstruct the driver's view.

The cruise will be led by Tara Bell along with reigning Southern Illinois Pride Queen Blanche DuBois. Organizers Christina Garnette, Idina Rimes, Kailey Santana, Dylan Humm and Korey Klausing will distribute information and handle the line up.

Following the event, participants are invited to the Varsity Center for the Arts for refreshments, a cash bar, live music, and information about the Stage Company's upcoming production of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later.