“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me after and during the event and share really moving and powerful stories,” said Erich Krumrei, owner of Forest Park Play It Again Sports on Madison Street in Forest Park.
He organized the festival when it first premiered in 2022.
“There was really no pride events in the area between the surrounding villages so I wanted to do something,” said Krumrei.
Krumrei, an Iraqi war veteran, premiered the event on his own. In subsequent years, he partnered with the Village of Forest Park and other community organizations. Because his son is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Krumrei said he wanted to show his support, both for his son and the entire community.
In 2023, the event attracted roughly 450 people. Attendees included members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Megan Roach, the executive assistant to Mayor Rory E. Hoskins, emphasized that the main purpose of the event is to build a supportive community within Forest Park and surrounding areas.
“It’s definitely for everyone and everyone in the community is welcome. We want people to feel respected,” Roach said.
The village became involved with organizing the festival in 2023. The festival is also partnered with the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.
“We wanted to participate as soon as Mayor Hoskins heard about it,” Roach said. “It has become a way for people to come together. We want everyone to feel valued.”
Last year’s celebration also involved eight drag performers. They took photos with attendees and chatted up customers inside Madison Street businesses, such as The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor and Kribi Coffee Air Roastery.
“It’s free, it’s open to the public,” Krumrei said. “I just would hope that people who have never been to a drag performance before maybe stop by and come with an open mind.”
This year, the event will be held at dinnertime to promote family attendance.
“I think it’s a way to celebrate all families,” Roach said. “It’s also hosted by the OPALGA+ and they are very involved, helping to get the word out there.”
Cas Scaman, co-chair of OPALGA+, is hoping for a record-setting festival turnout.
“It has been really great for the community the past couple of years. It’s really great to do cross-community events like this,” Scaman said. “It’s really important for the LGBTQ+ community to have this kind of support.”
Last year, OPALGA+ gave Krumrei an award for his organization of the festival. Before this event, members said they felt that not much had been done to celebrate pride in the area.
Still, Krumrei is quick to deflect the focus off of himself.
“It’s a community event,” he emphasized. “I don’t want this to be seen as my event or a Play It Again Sports event. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”
OPALGA+ merchandise will be sold at the festival to raise funds for its scholarship fund, which is donated annually to LGBTQ+ members and allies for their future endeavors.
In addition to the support that the festival provides to the LGBTQ+ community, there are also economic benefits for Madison Street businesses.
“It encourages people to walk up and down the strip and visit those businesses,” Scaman said. “
Robert’s Westside, located at 7321 Madison St., debuts its first year of involvement in the Forest Park Pride Festival. At the event, they are going to have a band and be a drink vendor.
“We’re looking to create a fun, family friendly event for everyone,” said owner and founder of Robert’s Westside, Donnie Biggins. “We are working on adding a few more vendors for food and, hopefully, ice cream.”
Biggins also noted that the band will run from 6 to 6:45 p.m. and will be followed by drag shows from 7 to 8 p.m. on Constitution Court. For adults who wish to continue the festivities after 8 p.m., Robert’s Westside will be hosting an afterparty.
Scratch Public House will be hosting an afterparty that will be partnered with the drag queen performers. Both afterparties will allow attendees under 21 if a guardian is present.
“This is our first opportunity to do something outside of our space and I’m just excited for Forest Park to be hosting this event,” said Biggins. “I think it’s needed for our community.”
Biggins acknowledged that Forest Park is quick to practice inclusivity.
“The village has always, from my perspective, been one to include the LGBTQ+. I feel like we’re joining a community that’s already inclusive.”
He noted that “[his] stage is always welcome to everyone.”
Biggins also said festival attendees should bring their own lawn chairs to ensure that there is enough seating for everyone. Chairs and tables will be limited.
Krumrei captured the event’s purpose in a nutshell.
“At the end of the day, it is about spreading awareness and recognizing that we are all human beings. The world would be a pretty miserable place if we all looked the same.”