Fo Co community leaders to host makeshift Pride celebration in lieu of official cancelation

A group of Fort Collins community members, coordinated by Mandi Lix, a local DJ, has organized what they’re calling a grass roots Pride celebration in wake of the official Pride in the Park festival being canceled.

The picnic inspired party will be June 4 at Fort Collins City Park.

The Lambda Center announced May 22 it was unable to fund the event. It would have been the eighth annual event.

“There is so much energy up here, so many people who deserve a day of celebration,” Lix said. “We had to do something. We are just letting everyone know that we are going to gather in Fort Collins City Park for a morning and afternoon to celebrate the spirit and energy of Pride.”

Lambda is sponsoring what were supposed to be pre- and post-Pride events at Fort Collins venues.

Lix said the rouge Pride celebration will be a gathering of the community, pot luck style.

“This is a pot luck picnic of sorts, bring your favorite dish, favorite games and share a relaxing day together with friends barbecuing and networking together,” she said.

Alcohol is not allowed in the park, Lix said.

The unofficial Pride celebration begins at 11 a.m.