Logan County Pride enjoys a great Pride Fest 2023 in downtown Lincoln

[June 04, 2023]   LINCOLN - On Saturday, the Logan County Pride Fest made its debut in downtown Lincoln. This is the fourth year for the event, but the first year it has been held on the Logan County Courthouse Square. In years prior, the event was held at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

This year, the group came to the Lincoln City Council early in the year and asked if the city would permit the closing of the Kickapoo and Pulaski Streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday June 3rd for the event. They explained that while the fairground has been a great place to hold the annual event, the committee felt that the event had outgrown the location, and would be better in the heart of the city.

Aldermen agreed to permit the street closure and the Pride Committee moved forward with plans that included over 40 vendors, games and activities for kids, a pet costume contest, facial Hair contest, and Karaoke.

This past weekend was one of the warmest to date this spring/summer, but it didn’t seem to deter the event too much. On the square, there was a good breeze early in the day and shops and stores around the square offered shopping in air-conditioned comfort for those who got a little warm outside.

The vendors on hand included Amigos Tacos. The gals from Amigos are recovering from a food truck fire and noted that their wagon had been a total loss. They are currently selling products at the LMH Market and at special events such as the Pride Fest.

Guests to the event were taking advantage of the walking tacos available from Amigos, and the ladies were proudly showing off their acronym for LGBTQ – Let’s Get Birria Tacos & Quesadillas.

Another local organization on hand at the event was the Logan County Democrats. The group was set up to be among the first to be seen when arriving at the Pride Fest from Broadway Street.

Rebecca Drake wasted no time in showing off the LCD tee shirts that were being given out to those who agreed with what was written on the back.

For those who are still learning about the LGBTQ community in Logan County, there was a table set up by the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln with a large poster that asked the question – What do you wish the church understood about you? Those who wished to express their feelings on the topic were encouraged to put a personal message on the poster board. Early in the day, some of the comments included “I am not a mistake” and “It’s not a choice.”

There were several organizations from outside the county including two wellness and health vans that spoke to guests about health issues in general and those that may be specific to gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals.

All along the two streets that were blocked off there were vendors offering goods for sale, and those promoting upcoming events in their home communities. Among the one representing upcoming events was the roller derby team from Decatur, the Prairieland Punishers.

Local organizations at the event included Memorial Health Systems and Logan County Legal Aid.

The first extra activity of the day was the annual pet costume contest. It was a hot day and not a lot of pets were in the mood to get dressed up for the contest, but none-the-less, the two pooches who entered were very well received by the crowd.

Lincoln alderman Sam Downs was the announcer for the contest and brought up Buddy and Scooter one at a time. The dogs took a trip out into the street from the announcer’s tent and stopped for some friendly pats on the head from those who were watching.

Then, the vote was taken according to the applause and cheers from the audience.

Scooter

Buddy

While Scooter put on a good show, in the end it was Buddy who took home the trophy for the best dressed dog in the competition.

Around the Pride Fest, guests were enjoying all that was being offered at this year’s event, and there were plenty of smiling faces as the day continued into the evening.

[Nila Smith]