Preparations are currently under way for West Liberty’s second Pride Parade, following the first event in 2019, 50 years after the Stonewall Riots in New York helped spark the modern Pride movement.
“Our first parade was such an enormous success, that we had to do another one,” said organizer Logan Boggs, who also leads the County Line Pride group for Logan and Champaign Counties. “After taking two years off, along with much of the country, we decided to roar back to life this year with another parade.”
The 2022 parade starts at noon Saturday, June 18, beginning at the top of west Columbus Street (by the old high school), then cuts across the village and ends at Lions Park. There, a celebration is planned with live music and vendors.
“We’re hoping to make this event even bigger and more beautiful than the one before, so any supporters are welcome to come and join in the parade as participants or spectators, and to attend our celebration,” Boggs said.
Spots are still available for floats, performers and vendors at the event. Area businesses, organizations or individuals who are interested in joining should contact Boggs via e-mail at [email protected].
County Line Pride is an informal group with the goals of bringing love, acceptance, visibility and pride to Logan and Champaign Counties.
“We’ve already hosted and attended numerous events over the past year all over the two counties and beyond, and I can’t wait to do more,” Boggs said.
“I’ve lived in the bi-county area all my life, and I have already seen first-hand the positive impact this has had on numerous local people of all ages.”
To that end, the group’s aim for the upcoming parade is “to bring Queer (LGBTQ+) visibility to the area, affirming for others and ourselves that we all belong here.
“No one should feel like they have to leave their hometown to be loved or feel valid,” Boggs said. “We come from all over the world, even small rural towns, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to be ourselves here.
“So come join us if you think the freedom to love and be yourself is something important as we celebrate life, love and Pride. “
County Line Pride also hosts a Facebook page, detailing upcoming events and activities.