The first ever “Pride Party” In International Falls was a big hit!
This celebration of Pride Month took place in Smokey Bear Park on June 28th.
The date happened to coincide with the anniversary of National Pride Day in America and the first ever Pride march in the US which took place in 1970.
The festivities included a BBQ, a bouncy castle, silent auctions, raffles, games, entertainment and Pride swag!
Everyone was decked out in pride colors!
Mayor Harley Droba spoke at the event while also offering the city council’s support.
One of the organizers, Kristina Mae Bodenstab, reached out to us with this message…
“I am so happy with the turnout! It really felt like a family reunion as opposed to strangers coming together. We are definitely going to do this again next year! It felt really good doing something so positive and impactful for our community. So many people thanked me and said that this was one of the best Pride events that they have ever been too. For some it was their first Pride event ever. The love and acceptance yesterday was harmonic. People told me it felt so good to be able to be who they truly are without fear of judgement and that’s something I also felt yesterday myself. Ages ranged from 2 to 72 it was beautiful and something memorable for sure.
#WEAREHERE!”
