DENVER — Preparations are underway for the 41st PrideFest this weekend in Denver. More than 350,000 people are expected at the festival that features 250 vendors from across the country.
Security at Civic Center Park will be tight. One of the event’s main organizers said people agree they will not let what happened in Orlando, Fla., scare them “back into the closet,” in his words.
They’ve been planning security for the parade, political rally and 5K race for many months before last weekend’s shooting.
A Denver police sergeant walked in to Compound Basix, a gay bar that has been around for 30 years. He offered support and left his business card that sparked instant reaction on Facebook.
“It was amazing when I saw it … and then I was amazed at by like 10 o’clock at night how many people had reposted it,” Karl Wesley of Compound Basix said.
It’s especially important as Denver readies for the third-largest Pride festival in the nation.
“Our message is that we need to come together and mourn together and to celebrate together,” said Rex Fuller of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado.
The sheer size of the festival brings a $25 million boost to Denver’s economy. Security for the participants is of paramount importance.
“Right now we have no credible threats, but obviously our ears are to the ground,” Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said.
The police department is coordinating with state and federal agencies.
“We have been in a very detailed safety planning process for many months before this tragedy occurred and we’ve involved DPD in that,” Fuller said.
In addition to regular police patrols, PrideFest hired 22 officers to provide security in and around festival events Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a secured perimeter fence around Civic Center Park.
“We have put together a comprehensive plan for the weekend enhancing our security with various measures,” Jackson said. “You’ll see a bigger police presence out there and we’ve done some things you may not, you won’t see.”
Many LGBT businesses have gone over security protocols with police. More than 30 corporations are sponsoring events at PrideFest this weekend.
Organizers said the outpouring of support from everyone has been overwhelming.