Celebrating Pride Day at Riverside Park
Roger Staffaroni at WXOW
Sep 7, 2024 Updated Sep 7, 2024
La Crosse, Wis. - (WXOW) - Pride in the Park filled Riverside Park on Saturday. A celebration for one and all, the event was on a mission to provide an inclusive space for everyone as well as empower through love and acceptance. It also fostered a sense of community.
Fun for all ages including chalk art near the bandshell in Riverside Park.
One couple showed their shared sense of community and acceptance at the "Hug a Mom" station. For them, it was just a matter of being there, for anyone who might need that connection.
"There are kids, every one out there that if their family doesn't accept them, we're here to give hugs," said Leah Tritz. She and her husband Andrew spend the afternoon giving out free hugs. "They're hugs in place of those parents, relatives that don't accept someone as they are. We want everybody to feel seen, we want everybody to feel loved. We want everybody to feel accepted."
There were plenty of informational booths as well as vendors lining the park space. Kids activities and food were also a big part of the celebration. The main stage offered a drag show.