Loveland community members have been invited to “sashay down” with their fellow residents next weekend at the return of Loveland Pride. The Rainbow Collective Loveland, a local LGBTQ+ organization aimed at creating “a welcoming environment for every letter of the rainbow, focused on health, mental well-being and progress for the (LGBTQ+) community,” according to the group’s Facebook page , is holding the event. Organizer Kat McManus said 2023’s event was the Rainbow Collective’s first organized pride event in Loveland, a gathering that brought together upward of 300 people from across Northern Colorado.
“We got people from Fort Collins, Boulder, Greeley, Windsor, Longmont,” she said. “It was a beautiful collaboration of all our neighboring towns.” McManus said she feels that, while Loveland does have more work to do when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, she has noticed some positive movement, pointing to Visit Loveland for putting rainbow lights on the Love sculpture.
This year the Pride event is growing in the resources and entertainment that will be offered. McManus said that those who come can expect food trucks, mocktail bars, live music and performances and even the Rainbow Market, which will feature work from more than 30 artists. She said the event will also be bringing 10 mental health booths from community partners and local organizations who support the LGBTQ+ community “I am just so excited, there are so many layers (to) it,” she said, late.