UPDATE:
Cincinnati Pride announced a new date for their annual festival Saturday. The Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 3 and has moved locations to 2nd and 3rd Streets between Elm and Walnut in downtown Cincinnati.
Organizers said they are aware the cancellation of the June festival was disappointing to many, especially during a time when everyone is facing challenges.
"Over the past few months, our world has faced numerous uncertainties and challenges: friends and loved ones becoming ill, the loss of jobs and income, overwhelming feelings of isolation, and the closure of our favorite places to gather and socialize. One thing that has not been lost during this time: HOPE," organizers said on Saturday.
According to organizers, previously registered vendors and parade participants will have their registrations carried over automatically -- they are not accepting any new registrations.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Cincinnati Pride will not take place in late June due to COVID-19 precautions.
All Cincinnati Pride events -- including the festival and parade scheduled to take place on June 27 -- have been postponed, according to an announcement from festival directors.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” the news release reads. “Gathering feedback from individuals and organizations within the community, we have arrived at this difficult decision. We feel that the health and well-being of every attendee and participant is paramount, and we have a substantial moral obligation to help protect those that are the most vulnerable within the community."
Organizers said they are working with local and state officials to secure a new date for the festival later in 2020. In the meantime, they said it’s important to continue to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
“It is important to remember that Pride is more than just one weekend in a year. Or even a month. Pride is something that we live and breathe every day,” organizers said.
According to the release, registrants with specific questions can reach out to parade@cincinnatipride.org.
