Pride in the Park 2025 draws record crowd despite political pushback

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Organizers of the Pride in the Park event at Capaha Park said this year’s celebration faced more resistance than in years past — likely fueled by the current political climate. Despite the challenges, the event saw its largest turnout yet, drawing more than a thousand people in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

At Capaha Park there were bright flags, big smiles, and a powerful sense of community.

“What we’re doing here today is just celebrating our independence, basically,”  “that we can be in America and be who we are,” event organizer Gina Thomas said. “I don’t have to like what you like, and we don’t have to do the same things, but we need to live together in unity.”

This year’s Pride in the Park had a simple goal — make everyone feel safe being themselves.

Attendee Nakiah Magee, said she was nervous at first but came to the festival with her friend, to be around people who understand her.

“It’s not too many things that really represent us,” she said, “especially in this conservative state. So we were like, might as well just come and show support and be with our people.”

Despite the fear, more than a thousand people showed up — making this the event’s the biggest turnout yet, according to organizers.

Families, allies, and longtime supporters came out in force. Sarah Kuborn said she and her family look forward to Pride every year — but this one felt especially important.

“I mean, we’ve been coming for five years and yeah, I think this is the biggest I’ve seen it,” she said.

Pride Cape CEO Rick Werner said they’ve faced more backlash this year, including attempts to shut it down.

“When you have people trying to run it down and it’s not working,” he said. “It’s actually just making this bigger.”

Just outside the celebration, a small group of Christian demonstrators shared their message, too.

“We’re out here today, spreading the word of Jesus,” Emily Kimball said. “We are just out here letting everyone know that Jesus loves them. We’re not wanting to spread hate today. We want to spread love. We are wanting to plant seeds today, and that is 100% by showing the love that Jesus has for them.”

For organizers like Thomas, Pride is still – at its core – about people feeling safe and seen.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re gay,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re straight. It really doesn’t make any difference. Just be who you are. Be authentic and just live your life and be happy.”