Small Pride event makes big waves
The Ranger III passes Houghton Pride at Houghton Waterfront Park. Keweenaw Roller Derby (foreground) hosts their table and meets with interested locals. Photo by Juxta Sprague.
An estimated 300 people attended the Copper Country's first ever Pride event on June 3, featuring live music from local artists and a potluck. A dozen community groups lent tables, stickers, snacks, and even face-paint to help make Houghton Pride a success.
The afternoon started out with volunteers setting up tents as Houghton Pride's core organizers hung decorations and prepared tables, disposable dishes, and food labels for the potluck. The small venue was soon brimming with music, colors, and conversation as locals streamed into the park, many bringing food to contribute. At one point, snow cones were being distributed, and later a cotton candy machine made an appearance.
Evan Lanese, member of Bees! Bees! Bees! Bees!, sings at Houghton Pride. Photo by Juxta Sprague.
The atmosphere was decidedly festive, with many dressed in bright colors to express their LGBTQIA+ identities or support thereof. Striped socks, glittery shoes, patterned dresses, dyed hair, plaid pants, and flamboyant shirts were common sights. Attendance skewed younger, with many high-school and college aged, but infants to senior citizens were all represented.
Several local music groups performed at Pride and were paid out of a successful crowdfunding effort coordinated by Keweenaw Queers, the lead organization for the event. The band Bees! Bees! Bees! Bees! kicked off the event with their four-person group jamming out to cheers and applause.
Event organizer Riley Powers (left) speaks with a community member. Photo by Juxta Sprague
Many of the supporting groups hosted tables, including the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC), Dial Help, and Keweenaw Roller Derby. Two local faith groups also attended; Canterbury House and the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalists (KUUF). Various politically progressive organizations were also present including Michigan United, Equality Michigan, and The Red Nation. The Houghton County Democrats also were in attendance with a life-size cardboard cutout of President Joe Biden.
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