As a particularly sensitive young girl growing up, my mother would soothe my emotions and wipe my tears by saying, “When the world feels too heavy, love is here to hold you.” You see, as an anxious third grader, probably trembling at the newfound realization that animals could go extinct, her words seemed like a band-aid for a world shattering issue — one I assumed I could solve overnight. But as I’ve grown in both years and understanding, I now see her mantra as more than just a band-aid — it’s a guide for where positivity can shine through, even in the darkest times.
This past month, from June 27 to June 29, Northwest Arkansas celebrated its 21st annual Pride Festival and Parade, and I had the privilege of experiencing it. The celebration began in 2004 as a grassroots operation created by the community, eventually evolving into Arkansas’s largest Pride event, now attracting nearly 40,000 attendees. As a queer woman, this weekend marked my first time experiencing a festival of love, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ alliance. I didn’t know what to expect — especially in a southern area where feeling isolated is all too common — but whatever expectations I had were exceeded beyond anything I could have imagined.
The festival kicked off on Friday, a rainy day that didn’t deter an eager crowd. The main stage, sponsored by Tyson, was set up along the Upper Ramble on Dickson Street. The afternoon began with DJ sets, local vendors, and a communal gathering leading up to the march. At 7:00 p.m., the March for Trans Rights began, including speeches from local figures like Mayor Molly Rawn and Arkansas State Representative Nicole Clowney. The night continued with drag performances and live music — both original and covers. A personal highlight for me was seeing the crowd of like-minded individuals around me and witnessing a performance by Adore Delano.
Adore Delano rose to fame after competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race season six and returning for All Stars season two. I’ve followed the American drag queen and singer-songwriter for quite some time, and I felt starstruck finally seeing her presence in front of me. After opening with a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Adore remarked, “Who knew Arkansas had a Pride like this?” The crowd roared. “I love it here.”
That simple statement filled me with gratitude. I remembered past conversations where even mentioning Adore’s name might earn me a side-eye or confused silence. But here, in this moment, I wasn’t just a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas — I was part of something bigger. I was not alone. And suddenly, my mother’s words echoed in my mind: “When the world feels too heavy, love is here to hold you.”
The following day began at 11 a.m. back at the Upper Ramble, with DJ Dribblz kicking off the festivities with an energetic set. The fun continued with Kingfish’s sixth annual Teddy Bear Contest, more drag performances, and live music from The Expressions and Betty Who. At 5 p.m., we lined up along the Walton Arts Center to grab a spot for the parade. There was joy — and a sticky heat — in the air, a fellow attendee kindly cooling me down with a rainbow fan. I looked up at the rooftops along the street, flooded with flags, bubble machines, and laughter.
The crowd erupted as the parade began, featuring local businesses, churches, and organizations proudly showing their support. The most striking moment of the day came when Ivy Dripp, the current Miss Gay America, crowned in Little Rock, rode by in a vintage Mercedes
convertible. Clutching her heart and looking up, she mouthed “Thank you” as the crowd cheered her on, muffling her words. Her emotion mirrored the feeling we all shared.
Tears welled in my eyes again — and it was clearer than ever that when the world feels too heavy, love will always be there to hold you. I highly recommend attending the Northwest Arkansas Pride Parade, which routinely occurs on the last weekend of June. Regardless of your beliefs, know that community is all around, and that celebrating love could never harm you.
(Photos from Saturdays Parade, featuring Ivy Dripp, Miss Gay America; and Friday night, with performances by Adore Delano)
Ryanne FitzGerald
Contributor
Ryanne FitzGerald is pursuing her Advertising and Public Relations degree at The University of Arkansas, and is a new Star Shopper intern. From her bio:
I ultimately set out to study advertising and public relations because I enjoyed how it mixed business with creativity, and I knew if I did not end up in a field in which I’m passionate that I would be sure to burn out. I have always been a creative person, and I would even go as far as to say it is the overarching quality of me that bleeds into everything I do. It is not limited to any form, whether its music, dance, fashion, painting, cinematography, poetry, crafting or more, I will be drawn to it. This is what pulled me to advertising in the first place, as I found old commercial jingles growing up took more precedence in my mind than learning about times tables during my formative years. I am a firm believer in everything being art, down to the lines created by a trail of ants or the way littered trash mimics wildflowers.
