St. Joe Pridefest moves date back to June

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After recent discussion and new involvement with the Missouri Pride Association (MPA), St. Joe Pridefest is moving its dates back to Pride Month in June.

The new involvement with the MPA allowed the St. Joe Pride organization to see when pride celebrations are happening around the area. With the original dates in September and the rationale being to avoid hot temperatures, which has proven unsuccessful in the past couple of years, the event has been rescheduled for June.

The organization said it has found great delight in the event's growth, moving from Coleman Hawkins Park to Civic Center Park in 2025.

Kenny Crawford, St. Joe Pride's president, recognizes the community's concern about safety, given that the event is now taking place during Pride month; however, he explained that the strong relationship with the police department has shown confidence in the change of date.

"We have a very good police department that supports us, and their presence is even when we hire a police officer who spends the night in the park to make sure nothing happens," Crawford said. "The police department has had a booth at Pride (for the last several years). So I think for us, that helps calm people's fear a little bit, knowing that we do have the support here in St. Joe, they do while they're there."

St. Joe Pridefest is scheduled for June 26 and 27 at Civic Center Park in St. Joseph. For more information, including how to become a vendor or participate, visit the organization's Facebook Page.