BURLINGTON, Iowa — Editor's note: A previous version of this story contained inaccuracies about this year's event. This is the first year of Pride on the Riverfront organized by Burlington Riverfront Entertainment. We apologize for the inaccuracies and have updated the story.
Burlington Riverfront Entertainment (BRE), in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ Burlingtonians, is preparing for the upcoming Pride on the Riverfront celebration on June 22, 2024. Right now, event organizers are looking for entries for the first-ever pride parade down Jefferson Street in downtown Burlington.
It costs $15 to enter the parade, and they have already seen entries come in.
"There's lots of businesses getting involved. There are some churches getting involved too, so it's gonna happen and I'm very excited about it." BRE Assistant Director David Kroll said.
Register your organization for Burlington's first-ever pride parade by clicking here.
The pride parade starts at 10 a.m. and kicks off on the 700 block of Jefferson Street and continues down Jefferson Street, ending at the riverfront.
"I've always wanted to see a pride parade down Jefferson Street here in downtown Burlington, and I got a great group of people, and we are making it happen this year for the first time," Kroll said.
Kroll recalled why pride events like these are important to him.
"I didn't have pride events growing up here in Burlington, and so I can't help but think of what that could have done for me as a struggling teenager... it's just one of those events that is all about inclusivity and equality and just making people feel accepted."
Pride on the Riverfront was launched following the postponement of the annual Pride in the Park event. Pride on the Riverfront organizers expect the event to draw a crowd of about 3,000 people.
"Local businesses are really excited to have it down here," Kroll said.
After the parade, the pride events take over the riverfront at 11 a.m., complete with vendors, performances, food and more. Organizers say it is also a family-friendly event, with plenty to do for youth.
"There's a lot of LGBTQ youth here in town, you can talk to the teachers that work here in the school district, and they'll tell you that they deal with a lot of kids who are very comfortable with who they are, which is awesome," Kroll said.
Following daytime festivities, BRE will host Pride After Dark, a drag show for adults ages 21 and up inside the Memorial Auditorium.
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