Celebrate Love and Community: Parkersburg PrideFest Delivers Delicious Food, Uplifting Music, and Warm Hugs in City Park!

Neva Hammond was part of a group giving “mom hugs” to people at the 2025 Parkersburg PrideFest. The group provided support to local LGBTQ individuals to show they are loved and accepted. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG — The 2025 Parkersburg PrideFest was a vibrant celebration of love and identity, held at Parkersburg City Park. Members of the LGBTQ community, along with friends and family, gathered for an afternoon filled with music, food, and joy. This marked the eighth annual event, with the excitement palpable as people enjoyed being themselves.

Parkersburg Pride President Jamie Lee McCormick remarked, “The crowd keeps growing. Today is all about love, visibility, and community.” The festival welcomed everyone, whether it was their first Pride or their fifth. “People want a safe space where they feel welcomed and celebrated,” McCormick added.

This year, the park featured about 75 vendors, ranging from local businesses to advocacy groups like Fairness West Virginia and Planned Parenthood. Entertainment included performances by local artists and drag queens, inspiring cheers from the crowd.

Drag Queen Madison S. Monroe accepts donations during the event, reflecting the community spirit of the festival. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“I grew up here, and it wasn’t easy for me,” McCormick shared. “So being part of this is a way to build a safe space for others.” He criticized some local officials for overlooking the contributions of the LGBTQ community. “We give back and bring value to our community,” he noted, highlighting the impressive turnout, which he estimated at over 1,000 attendees.

Isabelle Moore, the executive director of the Wood County Women’s Rights Alliance, expressed support for the LGBTQ community. Her organization, established locally after the last election, aims to provide resources and advocate for women’s rights and inclusivity. “Feminism is for everyone,” she stated. “We want to show our solidarity.”

One volunteer shared “Mom Hugs” to attendees, expressing love and acceptance for those who may not receive it from their families. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Attendee “Blake,” from Williamstown, emphasized the importance of visibility. “I came out to support my community,” she said. “It’s about breaking down fear. Knowing someone in the LGBTQ community helps people understand.”

Arthur Rose from Charleston also attended with his husband, wanting to show younger attendees that it’s okay to embrace who they are. Reflecting on his own experiences, he said, “Growing up in a rural area was tough. Having a support system could have made my journey easier. Let’s all be kind.”

Festivals like these play a crucial role in building community and understanding. As societal attitudes slowly shift, events like PrideFest reflect progress and a commitment to inclusivity.

Similar events are popping up across the country, with a recently reported 30% increase in Pride celebrations since the pandemic. This growth signals a rising acceptance of diverse identities and the importance of community support.

Isabelle Moore engages with attendees at her booth, representing the Wood County Women’s Rights Alliance. The festival highlighted numerous advocacy groups and local businesses. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

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