Some of the performers at Ozarks Pridefest ride in the parade that kicked off the celebration of LGBTQ pride in Springfield on June 10, 2023.
(Photo by Jym Wilson)
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“Chevelle Chardonnay” of Springfield towers over most of the crowd, including Rachel Corneils of West Plains, before performing at Pridefest.
(Photo by Jym Wilson)
Ozarks Pridefest took place on the Park Central Square in Springfield Saturday, June 10. The event included drag performances, a parade and a protest by unidentified members of the Patriot Front.
Jessi Honeycutt of Springfield spreads her wings in the Pridefest parade.
(Photo by Jym Wilson)
Jeanette Hipskind left, her partner of 31 years, Linda Thomas, of Rogersville, and their dog Katniss watch performers on the main stage. Commenting on the events of the day Thomas said, “We really needed this in the atmosphere of the world today. This sense of extended family.” (Photo by Jym Wilson)Melissa Murrell of Branson dances while watching performers onstage at Pridefest. (Photo by Jym Wilson)About a dozen protestors from Patriot Front, distinguished by their khaki ball caps and white masks, were kept a block away from Park Central Square. The group is described as “a white nationalist hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Pridefest attendees surrounded them and shouted down most of their attempts to chant in unison. (Photo by Jym Wilson)
About a dozen protestors from Patriot Front, distinguished by their khaki ball caps and white masks, were kept a block away from Park Central Square. The group is described as “a white nationalist hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Pridefest attendees surrounded them and shouted down most of their attempts to chant in unison. (Photo by Jym Wilson)Extra security officers were hired by the Pridefest organizers. Attendees were told multiple times that they could be distinguished by their khaki pants and black polo shirts. (Photo by Jym Wilson)Alfonso Corona of Springfield was motivated to attend simply to “Celebrate Pride.” (Photo by Jym Wilson)
