Fayetteville PRIDE Moves PrideFest Indoors Amid Growing Concerns
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — Fayetteville PRIDE has announced a significant change for this year’s PrideFest, moving the event indoors to the Crown Expo Center due to escalating concerns over safety and security for the LGBTQIA+ community. Krystal Maddox, president of Fayetteville PRIDE, cited heightened fears in response to a fraught political climate that has left many feeling vulnerable and reluctant to participate openly.
"We’re seeing people express their fears of being photographed or targeted in public spaces," Maddox stated. "Due to the current hostility towards our community, we’ve chosen to enhance security measures." The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have issued warnings that large-scale events this summer could be potential targets for violence, prompting further precautionary measures.
PrideFest, which has celebrated love and diversity in the Sandhills region since 2018, is a crucial event for the local LGBTQIA+ community. However, Maddox revealed that such trepidation has influenced attendance at planning meetings and overall community participation. "Some supporters have reached out, expressing their solidarity but admitting they can’t attend," she shared.
In addition to safety concerns, organizers are also facing practical challenges, such as the heat and humidity of summer affecting attendance. The need for enhanced security means implementing thorough checks, including metal detectors and clear bags for attendees—similar to concert protocols.
The local sheriff’s department is collaborating to ensure safety at the Crown Expo Center, emphasizing the importance of vigilance among attendees. Maddox noted that securing sponsors has been particularly difficult this year, impacting financing for the event.
As Fayetteville PRIDE prepares for a reimagined, secure environment for PrideFest, the community’s safety remains the top priority.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
