TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– A year after the first Pride Festival in Terre Haute was a success in the community, the event came back even bigger in year two.

The Pride Center of Terre Haute worked alongside Indiana State University to make this a reality. The collaboration also brought several changes, as the festivities were on campus this year, instead of downtown on Wabash Avenue, and in September instead of during Pride month in June.

Katie Lugar, the president of the Pride Center, said they changed the date to involve the college community in the celebration.

“So many good festivals are happening in June, which is awesome, but we also have to be mindful of the uniqueness of our own community,” Lugar said. “We are so lucky to be in a space where we share our community with four colleges and universities, so we also wanted to make sure our university students were represented in our Pride Fest celebration.”

Over 70 vendors were on hand, as well as nearly two dozen performers. Lugar said the partnership with ISU allowed them to grow in their second year.

“The partnership with ISU has been really phenomenal, they have dedicated such amazing resources and in-kind services to help ensure the event is a success,” she said. “It’s been a really beautiful day, more of a park-like environment where we can all get together, we can sit on blankets in the park and watch the performances, we can meet with vendors, their support has been really helpful and has made the Pride planning experience, as well as the actual day of Pride so phenomenal.” 

But none of this would be possible without the support they’ve seen here from residents.

“We had so many people come join us, we still have to do a final count of how many attendees, but it was over last year’s number for sure. It’s been a really special day, we appreciate the sponsors and volunteers that actually made this event happen, so it’s been a really phenomenal experience,” she said.