Loogootee PrideFest is back on for Sept. 7, after the City Council approved the event’s permit Monday night.
The Council special meeting reviewed a downtown event, according to the meeting's agenda.
The Indiana American Civil Liberties Union sued the council June 13, citing the council’s actions as a First Amendment violation.
The case has been in U.S. District Court in Evansville for two-and-a-half months.
The second annual PrideFest will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Loogootee town square.
Previous coverage: Indiana ACLU sues Loogootee for allegedly blocking PrideFest
Tracy Brown-Salsman and his husband Tim are Loogootee residents and the event’s organizers. They successfully held the town’s first PrideFest June 10 last year on the square.
The City Council first approved the event in November 2023, but that was rescinded after a new ordinance passed in February. The change came after a complete turnover in council members at the start of the year.
Tracy and Tim said the following in a statement:
“PrideFest is about equality and acceptance, and we are thrilled that we will once again be able to host this important celebration of diversity and inclusion in the heart of our community — just as we successfully did in 2023. We welcome everyone to come and celebrate Pride with us.”
The event will feature Bockeh Big Band, ballet performers, a variety show, a health fair and vendors, according to an event listing. The event is completely free and is funded through several county and community groups.
