Rhode Island PrideFest and the Illuminated Night Parade are returning this year after being canceled the last two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s events are scheduled for June 18, according to a statement from Rhode Island Pride.
“All of us are looking forward to gathering together in celebration of our diverse communities,” said Rodney Davis, president of Rhode Island Pride, which describes itself as the largest and most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ community nonprofit serving Rhode Island.
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Rhode Island Pride said it expects the 2022 edition to include the programming that became a tradition before the pandemic, including vendor exhibitions and main-stage entertainment in the runup to the nighttime parade around downtown.
“We are committed to having our annual celebration with the utmost attention on our participants’ health and safety,” Rhode Island Pride said on its website.
The event traces its roots to a 1976 pride march that the city tried to block, but went on with about 75 participants after the courts intervened.
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Registration to participate in the festival and parade opened on Friday.
