Exciting Events at East Central Minnesota Pride

A hidden gem, Pine City, Minn., is bursting with diversity, inclusivity, local businesses and exciting events. Each year, the small town looks forward to hosting and participating in East Central Minnesota Pride. ECMN Pride is the “world’s first truly rural Pride event,” as described by its website, and is celebrated annually in Pine City. This year marks the 20th annual celebration, and the small town is excited to invite everyone to join.

The beginnings of ECMN Pride were a lot smaller than what stands today. Starting in 2005, a group of men within the East Central Men’s Circle held a picnic celebrating Pride. This small event would soon blossom year after year into the ECMN Pride held today. Early on, members brought their own food to share with the crowd. Now the event hosts food trucks, musical artists and live events.

Natalie Goldman, vice chair of ECMN Pride, describes the event as having a “hometown touch” and “humble beginnings,” both of which ring true. She has been a proud member of the organization for about four years, two of which with the title she currently holds. Her excitement for the organization and the events that it hosts is almost palpable. She describes her love for the community and for celebrating Pride.

“Before I was on the committee, I was a regular guest at this event, and I’m going to tell you, it just feels like it gets bigger every year,” Goldman says. “I’ll have the mic on stage and, you know, announcements, all that, but I just see so many people every year. And young people, that’s the big thing, too. Like, the young people are there being themselves. The vibe is really electric at our event. It’s small, but it’s electric.”

With ECMN reaching its 20th anniversary, the celebration is certainly bigger, and most definitely “electric.” This year, attendees can look forward to live music from The Big Wu, a Minnesota-based rock band, as well as other live performers. There will also be food trucks and other planned events throughout the day. ECMN Pride is an event for all ages, all demographics, celebrating Pride and inclusivity.

Even after the annual celebration is over, Pine City still has a lot in store for celebrating Pride. Throughout the year, ECMN Pride members coordinate events and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. They are in the process of putting together an LGBTQ+ community travel guide that lists local businesses that are allies to the community. Further, the town is in the process of bringing to life a permanent rainbow crosswalk in honor of the gentle beginnings of ECMN Pride.

Pine City, Minn., is special for many reasons, all due to the efforts that the members of the community put into making the small town one of a kind.

“I would say that even though the event had small beginnings, I think things are just going to get bigger and better for us,” Goldman says. “Even in these times, I think Pride’s going to carry on, and I think it’s just going to get better. … It’s not just limited to our month. I mean, in these small towns, we’re out. This committee, you know, and my family, we’re out here advocating for these people because, you know. They deserve to be themselves whenever, wherever, despite the climate.”

Pine City, Minn., is a small town that knows how to bring big concepts to life. Full of energy, enthusiasm and pride, the community is something unlike anything else. Each year, despite challenges, people come together to enjoy individuality and diversity, but mostly, people come together to celebrate one another. Goldman closes the conversation with this sentiment.

“Sometimes I take a step back and I see the stage and the people and the music, and that’s really what it’s about at the end of the day, is togetherness,” Goldman says. “Being yourself and being together. And I don’t think it gets much more Midwest than that.”

This year, ECMN Pride will be held on June 7 at Robinson Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are looking for a safe space to feel united with your peers, give ECMN Pride a chance.

To learn more about the events, become a sponsor, or learn more about ECMN Pride as a whole, please visit the website eastcentralminnesotapride.org.