New mayor bucks trend, signs letter welcoming Springs PrideFest

The organizers of Colorado Springs PrideFest say that for the first time in more than a decade, the mayor has officially recognized and welcomed the event.

PrideFest released a copy of the welcome letter from Mayor John Suthers on Friday (7/10/15.)

“The absence of any recognition from the Mayor’s office for so many years created a mindset of we will ask for a statement again but we won’t get it. Today I am very pleased that on the 25th Anniversary of Colorado Springs PrideFest we are welcomed by Mayor Suthers” Nic Grzecka, President of Colorado Springs PrideFest, Inc. said in a news release on Thursday.

In the letter, which you can read in its entirety at the bottom of this article, Suthers says “The City of Colorado Springs recognizes the importance of diversity in our community and appreciates your decision to hold an event in our city.”

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday July 11 beginning at 10 a.m. and continues on Sunday July 12. It’s happening at America the Beautiful Park, which is located at 126 Cimino Drive downtown. Organizers say it is expected to draw nearly 100 vendors and upwards of 60,000 visitors to the park.

The annual Pride Parade will take place Sunday. It will begin at the intersection of Cimarron Street and Tejon Street and will head north on Tejon, then west on Colorado Ave. It will end at America the Beautiful Park. The parade will be preceded by the Big Gay 5K run.

Marriage ceremonies will be performed at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The PrideFest tradition has special significance this year in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling that made same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

You can learn more about Colorado Springs PrideFest by clicking here.