MARSHALL — It’s a celebration and also a chance for people to be themselves. Organizers of the upcoming Marshall Pride said one of the great parts of this weekend’s events was the chance to build community for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in southwest Minnesota.

“Marshall Pride is not just social space, it is a lifeline. It gives people a place to feel seen, safe, and accepted without having to choose between their culture and their identity,” said Marshall Pride planning committee member Manila Hang.

“Any time we can have a space for people to be themselves, to be out, to be proud, that is an amazing peace, as well as building community,” said Marshall Pride planning chair Jade Moorse.

Pride events kick off this weekend, with the fifth annual Marshall Pride drag show Saturday night at the Brau Brothers taproom. The show will feature eight performers from across Minnesota. On Sunday, Pride in the Park will feature a variety of vendors, music, and activities at the Lyon County fairgrounds in Marshall.

This will be the second year that Pride in the Park will be held at the fairgrounds. Last year, inclement weather meant the festival had to move from its planned location in Independence Park. The new location at the fairgrounds turned out to be a great fit, Moorse said.

“We enjoyed the space so much. It gives us room to grow,” she said. The fairgrounds also offered more shelter from the weather, and the opportunity for indoor events.

Moorse said some of the new things at this year’s Pride in the Park will include a live mermaid performer. There will also be a chance to take part in a community art experience. Local artist SammyJo Miller will be leading “Portraits of Pride,” an event where participants can use mirrors and drawing to create their own self-portraits in a comfortable environment.

Moorse said the Crescent Valley LARPers will also be returning to Marshall Pride. LARP, short for “live action role-play,” is an activity where people can take part in sword and sorcery-style battle games, or show their creativity in the arts.

A full schedule of Pride in the Park events and musical performers is available at www.marshallpride.org.

Beyond being fun, local Pride events have a big impact in creating a welcoming space for attendees, organizers said.

“In communities where tradition and conservative values can make it difficult to live openly, Marshall Pride has become chosen family, offering support, understanding, and a sense of belonging that many may not find elsewhere,” Hang said.

“I love knowing that I’m doing something to help show our community that everyone is welcome here – they are welcome to be here, and to show up exactly as they are,” said planning committee member Charlotte Wahle. “To me, Pride is a celebration of life and love and pride in living authentically, and I am happy to do my part to make sure folks in Southwest Minnesota have the opportunity to share in that celebration, right here in their own backyard.”

Pride in the Park will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lyon County fairgrounds.