INDIANAPOLIS–The Indy Pride Festival and Parade is expected to bring in 50,000 people to the capital city Saturday, and will be a concern for people driving downtown. The parade is one of the largest LGBTQ gatherings in the Midwest, said Chris Handberg, with Indy Pride.
“At the beginning of May we sold out of parade spots and vendor spots,” he said. “I think it’s larger than the 500 parade.”
Handberg said the festival, which is at Military Park, goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. The parade is along Mass Ave.
“The entire family is welcome. It’s not just for LGBTQ people. We encourage people who support us to come out and celebrate Pride with us.”
Audio titled CHRIS HANDBERG PRIDE PARADE INTERVIEW by 93WIBC
Handberg said he believes the festival is a good tourism draw for the city and the state.
“About 20 percent of the people who attend our festival, based on a survey we did in 2016, come from outside Indiana,” he said. “People come from Illinois, from Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, just to participate in our events.”
Handberg said this year’s event will be smoke-free, with some areas designated for smoking.
“We at Indy Pride had a lot of conversations with the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission through the state of Indiana, looked at the numbers of smoking rates and tobacco use, especially in the LGBTQ community,” said Handberg, “and thought it was our role as Indy Pride to lead the community to healthy lifestyles and to make better choices.”
Handberg added they’re not out to shame people who use tobacco, but to provide better choices and help keep people from starting.
He said the festival is $5 for general admission and $50 for VIP, and you can see the parade for free.
PHOTO: Thinkstock/Benny Marty
