Pride is an important part of some people’s lives, a time to celebrate the way they love other people and Glenwood Springs is having their Pride event this Saturday, presented by Cook Inclusive. 

Ashley Stahl, the executive director of PFLAG and Cook Inclusive, spoke about the upcoming celebration. 

“This will be the fourth year for Pride in Glenwood Springs,” Stahl said. “We’ve grown every year — more booths every year — we’re estimating around 40 to 45 booths.”

Booths at Pride range from vendors to different nonprofits, government agencies, community organizations, local businesses and various other supporters of Pride. 

“We’ll have lots of family friendly activities, like face-painting, braiding, bounce houses, different swag and giveaways, entertainment, excitement, speeches and fun things going on on-stage as well,” Stahl said. “It will be a trilingual event.”

The festival will be in English, Spanish and American Sign Language – and has not been impacted by drops in funding like other groups have experienced recently in the nation.

“We’re moving from under the bridge at Bethel Plaza to Two Rivers Park this year,” Stahl said. “We’ve hired Citadel security because there will be alcohol, it’s a normal summer event, a summer festival.” 

The Roaring Divas will be performing this Saturday with two shows, one event from 4-5 p.m. to showcase the newer queens in the troupe and the main event will occur from 8-10 p.m. 

“This event is being put on by a nonprofit that focuses on disabilities and LGBTQ+ people,” Stahl said. “We’ll have spaces for people who might be overwhelmed but want to participate, everything is disability accessible and all things purchased will be going to fund Cook Inclusive.”

Cook Inclusive supports LGBTQ+ and disabled people from Aspen to Parachute. 

“This is a community-supporting-community event,” Stahl said. “We suggest a $10 donation, but if you can’t afford it, we’d rather you come to the event than donate.”

Because there will be limited parking, Stahl says that people and disabilities and parents with children under the age of two can park, but are asking everyone who is able to walk, ride a bike or park farther from the venue. 

“It should be a safe event for everyone,” Stahl said.For more information, visit cookinclusive.org/events/glenwood-pride-2024.