PrideFest Milwaukee postponed due to coronavirus outbreak
Wed. March 18, 2020 11:22 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
pridefest milwaukee 2019
photo credit // ken brown
Organizers: ‘We are currently working on alternative dates and options...’
Milwaukee's Summerfest grounds will be a little less colorful this June. Organizers for PrideFest announced Tuesday morning they were postponing the event, originally scheduled for June 4 - 7, due to concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Milwaukee Pride, which organizes PrideFest, has not given up hope for 2020. "Have no fear, we are currently working on alternative dates and options to produce the world-class event you're used to," wrote Milwaukee Pride President Wesley Shaver. "Milwaukee WILL exercise Pride in 2020."
The Milwaukee Pride Board of Directors said they were working with Summerfest on possible alternate dates and exploring the possibility of different formats and locations. The organization was also planning to work with the community on other, smaller events this summer.
PrideFest has been a tradition in Milwaukee's LGBT community since 1987. This was the first time PrideFest has been postponed in its 32-year history.
PrideFest is one just one of a growing number of festivities to postpone or cancel as the coronavirus pandemic continues to infect more and more people.
LA Pride organizers announced Friday that all events related to its 50th anniversary set to take place in June were postponed due to the health concerns. Miami Beach Pride organizers have also postponed most of their planned events.
Chicago's Pride celebrations remain scheduled for the end of the month. Organizers of the annual Pride Fest and Parade told GoPride.com they continue to monitor coronavirus developments.
As of Wednesday, Wisconsin health officials confirm 90 positive cases of coronavirus in the state.
Milwaukee Pride, which organizes PrideFest, has not given up hope for 2020. "Have no fear, we are currently working on alternative dates and options to produce the world-class event you're used to," wrote Milwaukee Pride President Wesley Shaver. "Milwaukee WILL exercise Pride in 2020."
The Milwaukee Pride Board of Directors said they were working with Summerfest on possible alternate dates and exploring the possibility of different formats and locations. The organization was also planning to work with the community on other, smaller events this summer.
PrideFest has been a tradition in Milwaukee's LGBT community since 1987. This was the first time PrideFest has been postponed in its 32-year history.
PrideFest is one just one of a growing number of festivities to postpone or cancel as the coronavirus pandemic continues to infect more and more people.
LA Pride organizers announced Friday that all events related to its 50th anniversary set to take place in June were postponed due to the health concerns. Miami Beach Pride organizers have also postponed most of their planned events.
Chicago's Pride celebrations remain scheduled for the end of the month. Organizers of the annual Pride Fest and Parade told GoPride.com they continue to monitor coronavirus developments.
As of Wednesday, Wisconsin health officials confirm 90 positive cases of coronavirus in the state.