OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) – Heartland Pride will host its parade and festival on Saturday, but they hosted their 6th annual youth pride event at the Baxter Arena on Friday night.
It might have taken a year off and it might be in July of this year, but Pride is back in Omaha. Event organizer Jessica Carver said now is the time to come together and celebrate.
“It’s always been about getting together, but most of all this year, coming back and just enjoying being ourselves and being with other people for the first time in a long time,” Carver said.
Heartland Pride kicked off the weekend by inviting the youth of Omaha to enjoy a space where they could feel safe and supported, but most importantly, a space where they could dance, laugh and make memories.
“… for LGBTQIA2S + youth to come and find their community and realize that there are other people who live in the same city with them who are like them,” Carver said.
The free event at the Baxter Arena was aimed at people 18 and under, as well as adults who support them in their lives.
“When we do these things for them and support them, they are able to become full adults and move past that high school period in their lives,” Carver said.
On Saturday, the Baxter Arena will open its doors for the Pride Festival, after the Pride Parade in the Old Market.
The parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and will take place through Harney and Howard streets.
“There are over 100 people walking entrances,” Carver said. “It’s going to be amazing, and it’ll be rain or shine – I know the weather isn’t necessarily going to cooperate with us tomorrow, but we’re going to have fun.”
The parade is free and tickets for the pride festival are available at heartlandpride.org.
KMTV is a proud sponsor of this year’s Heartland Pride.
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