KEWANEE — Pride Fest, once a growing annual celebration at Northeast Park, will not take place again this year as the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations continues to face dwindling membership and a lack of volunteers.
Commissioner Jessica Fornander confirmed that the event, which ran for two years before being canceled in 2025, is on hold for 2026 as well.
“I do not believe the commission is putting on a Pride Fest this year,” Fornander said. “Membership on the commission is down, meaning there are fewer members to cover the annual events.”
Pride Fest was one of the commission’s signature events. The June festival, which coincided with national Pride Month, included food and retails vendors, participation from local organizations, an appearance by the mayor and a drag show. An after-hour event took place at the Chrome Gypsy Compound.
Fornander noted that Pride Fest was of the first major community celebrations the commission organized after its formation. The festival drew strong attendance and was praised for creating a welcoming, inclusive space.
“I thought it was phenomenal, not to mention the park and the after-hours events,” she said. “It’s sad we can’t pull it together.”
The commission has lost the three members who previously handled most of the Pride Fest planning. Although Gayle Gerard has recently joined, the group remains short-handed.
“As of right now, for this year, losing our main core of commissioners, it’s hard to plan these events,” Fornander said. “We are trying to partner with different organizations in planning community events.”
Despite the setback, the commission is continuing work on two of its other annual events: Cinco de Mayo and the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Festival. Those celebrations remain on the calendar, though they too depend on volunteer support.
Kasey Mitchell, the city liaison to the Commission on Human Relations, echoed Fornander’s concerns about declining membership.
“As of now, the Pride Fest for 2026 is on hold,” Mitchell said, citing dwindling numbers and lack of volunteers.
Mitchell said the commission is considering a public call for new members and encourages anyone interested to submit a letter of interest explaining why they would like to join and what types of events or educational efforts they hope to support.
Letters may be emailed directly to Mitchell or dropped off at City Hall, addressed to her attention.
“We hope that the Pride Fest can be revived,” she said. “The two years it took place were well received and attended. We want to be able to offer that safe space again.”
With no clear timeline for rebuilding membership, the future of Pride Fest remains uncertain. Fornander said she hopes the community will step forward to help restore an event that meant so much to many residents.
The Kewanee Commission on Human Relations will hold its next meeting on March 10 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
