MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's the most colorful weekend of the year. After nearly a year of planning, the 49th annual Memphis Pride Festival starts Thursday, May 30.
It’s a four-day celebration showcasing the Mid-South's LGBTQ+ community. Mid-South Pride President Vanessa Rodley said she is honored to plan the event every year.
"It's a struggle — it's always hard getting it together," Rodley said. "But we're here. We're excited. We're in the park getting ready."
The 2024 Miss Mid-South Pride, Wednesday Moss, said this year is special coming off last year’s attempted legislation targeting drag performances.
"With the drag ban being struck down literally the night before our pride last year, it was a celebration for us," Moss said. "This year is kind of a continuation of that celebration.”
Amid excitement, there is also some concern. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security warn foreign terrorist organizations could target large pride events. Rodley said there will be a large law enforcement and security presence to help deter potential violence.
"We take that very seriously," Rodley said. "This year we have a clear bag policy. We have a private security team, and we also work with the police and the sheriff to create this safe space for everybody. So, we take a lot of time with planning.”
Rodley said making this weekend a safe space for all the attendees is a top priority.
"That's really all that we want people to walk away with — is that feeling of love and acceptance for who they are," said Rodley. "We fight that all day everyday, but here at pride, it's celebrated."
"We do overall feel the safest that we could possibly feel, and that's all that we can really ask for,” said Moss.
The events include Drag-n-Drive, the Big Gay Dance Party and of course, the Parade and Festival in Downtown Memphis Saturday.
ABC24’s morning anchor Yvonne Cooper and meteorologist Trevor Birchett will emcee the parade Saturday and host the Drag Brunch at Cossitt Library on Sunday.
New at pride this year, there will be a history area at the festival Saturday, celebrating 49 years of pride in Memphis.