PRESS RELEASE
An estimated 1,000 people turned out for the first-ever Pride event held in the town of Decatur on Saturday, June 28—an impressive showing given the town is home to just under 10,000 residents.
The family-friendly event, hosted by the nonprofit Decatur Pride, took place on the Madison Street Plaza in downtown. The rented plaza buzzed with over 25 vendors, DJ Kat playing music, and captivating performances by Della Licious, Alex Rinay, Joey Night, Kylie Aphrodite, and Maya Pinion that awed the crowd.
Organizers started the event believing Decatur was ready to embrace a celebration reflecting the diversity, unity, and resilience of its residents. While they expected a few hundred attendees, the much larger turnout was smoothly managed. Attendees displayed patience and were thrilled to be part of an event where they fostered deeper connections with neighbors and friends.
“Decatur took a huge step toward moving forward,” said Nikki Ausland, president of Decatur Pride. “We are proud that we hosted a joyful, safe, and impactful event that will be looked back on as a much-needed touchstone for building a more accepting and loving community.”
“Everyone from our amazing volunteers to each person that walked through the gates made this event a successful day,” said Molly Cochran, Decatur Pride Treasurer. “We hope seeing the 1,000 people that joined us shows the LBTQIA+ individuals that work, live, and contribute to the fabric of our community that there is support and love for them here.”
Decatur Pride, Inc., is a nonprofit organization started in 2025 by five Decatur residents who wanted to give back to their community by hosting an event to celebrate and support the local LGBTQIA+ community. The group saw a lack of visibility and recognition for the local queer community, and in response, formed the organization. The board is made up of both queer individuals and allies who aim to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Decatur.
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