U.P. Pride Fest attendees gather during a previous festival. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — On Saturday, June 14th U.P. Rainbow Pride will be hosting its 10th anniversary Upper Peninsula Pride event at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

“For over a decade, U.P. Pride Fest has been a vibrant celebration of acceptance, love, community, and visibility,” said Lex Exworthy of U.P. Rainbow Pride. “More than just a festival, it is a vital space for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies to gather, celebrate, and honor the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.”

Upper Peninsula Rainbow Pride is a volunteer-lead organization that has been hosting the U.P. Pride Fest since 2014. Their work focuses specifically on supporting LGBTQ+ people in rural communities, and while they provide a variety of events and resources, Pride Fest is their largest event of the year.

“As the Upper Peninsula’s largest and longest-running Pride event, the festival continues to grow–thanks to the unwavering support of local and regional businesses and organizations,” said Exworthy.

Each year the Upper Peninsula Pride Festival hosts a variety of events and activities, from local music to crafts to drag shows. There are also vendors, food trucks, and booths advertising various resources for LGBTQ+ members of the Upper Peninsula community.

“Since moving to the heart of downtown Marquette in 2021, U.P. Pride Fest has remained free, family-friendly, and community-driven, powered entirely by volunteers,” said Exworthy. “This year, organizers are aiming higher than ever, with a fundraising goal of $20,000 to make the 10th anniversary celebration the biggest and most inclusive yet. Support is more than a donation–it’s a message to LGBTQ+ youth, families, and community members that they belong.”

Those looking to support Upper Peninsula Pride Fest or looking for more information can visit uprainbowpride.com

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.