Sign up for the 2025 Stark Pride Walk here.
PLEASE NOTE: If walkers are not associated with an organization to please check in and they will be assigned a group letter. Also, organizations will need to sign in to get their line up spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate in the walk? Can I show up that day and join somewhere?
As a permitted event, all participants are encouraged to be a part of a registered group. Because we want everyone to feel a part of the event, we encourage anyone who supports equity to find or create a group to join us. We will do our best to put people who are not registered into the lineup.
In what order will we appear?
The process of assigning the order is handled by the Stark Pride Festival (SPF) Committee over the course of several weeks. We have many factors to balance in making this decision including tradition, special needs groups such as families, seniors, and people with disabilities, sponsor recognition, and more. Our primary goal is to make sure that the event remains a wonderful experience for everyone who participates and an exciting, worthwhile experience to our millions of spectators from beginning to end.
How long is the route?
We begin step-off around 1:00-1:15 pm at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts and the last group will reach dispersal at approximately 1:45 pm. The route is 0.6 mile long.
How long will our group wait in our designated staging spot in the formation area?
That depends on where you are placed in the order and the policies that will be provided upon at check-in. Please plan to arrive by 12:30 pm. We encourage you to plan ahead for food, water, sunscreen, shade, and other necessities.
Will there be parking available for those who attend this part of the event?
All walkers may park at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts at Market Ave N, Canton, OH. Due to minimum parking availability, we encourage you to carpool with your team. Another option is to take SARTA, LYFT, or UBER - enjoy the festival and let them drive for you!
Why isn’t it a parade?
The first LGBT Pride was held on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in NYC. It was an unpermitted, explicitly political protest of anti-LGBT policies and attitudes. Our commitment at Stark Pride Festival is to recognize our Pride event as an expression to promote complete and full equality and equity, which has yet to be achieved for all LGBTQ+ people.
Where does the money from the event donations go?
To bring the festival to life is expensive. Therefore, donations are applied to cover event costs such as supplies, equipment rental, and security. Any proceeds not used for Stark Pride Festival 2024 will be applied to Stark Pride Festival 2025. This will help us continue celebrating with you for years to come.
What accommodations are available for a person with disabilities to participate in the march?
There will be accommodations available. All information will be given via email. If you have any specific concerns, please contact [email protected].
What do I do if, after registration, we decide to change our plans (e.g., more marchers than anticipated, etc.)?
For changes, please get in touch with us at [email protected] as soon as possible.
How much room will we have for our banner/equipment, etc.?
The march is .6 miles long and will utilize 2-lcar lanes. Please keep this in mind when making your banner or signs.
Also, keep in mind that the formation area will be very crowded during set-up. Care should be taken with banners, signs, musical instruments, props, etc., to ensure that they don't get stepped on or take up excessive space while waiting to begin the march. SPF is not responsible for damage to any personal property during the march.
How are participating organizations recognized at the march?
There are numerous creative ways to make an impact and gain recognition during the march. Banners, costumes, branded giveaways, choreography, chants, or props can all help you stand out among the groups marching through Canton to support the LGBTQ+ community. We strongly encourage you to surprise us and showcase your creativity. At the very least, we recommend that all groups have a large sign or banner at the beginning of their group to identify who they are to spectators and media. Please remember that signs and banners will need to be visible on both sides of the route, up to 50 feet away.
Where can I tell my family and friends where they can view the march?
March viewers can sit or stand on the sidewalks along Market Ave N between the Cultural Center and 5th Street NW. we recommend they stand on the sidewalk on the west side of Market Ave N
PLEASE NOTE: If walkers are not associated with an organization to please check in and they will be assigned a group letter. Also, organizations will need to sign in to get their line up spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate in the walk? Can I show up that day and join somewhere?
As a permitted event, all participants are encouraged to be a part of a registered group. Because we want everyone to feel a part of the event, we encourage anyone who supports equity to find or create a group to join us. We will do our best to put people who are not registered into the lineup.
In what order will we appear?
The process of assigning the order is handled by the Stark Pride Festival (SPF) Committee over the course of several weeks. We have many factors to balance in making this decision including tradition, special needs groups such as families, seniors, and people with disabilities, sponsor recognition, and more. Our primary goal is to make sure that the event remains a wonderful experience for everyone who participates and an exciting, worthwhile experience to our millions of spectators from beginning to end.
How long is the route?
We begin step-off around 1:00-1:15 pm at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts and the last group will reach dispersal at approximately 1:45 pm. The route is 0.6 mile long.
How long will our group wait in our designated staging spot in the formation area?
That depends on where you are placed in the order and the policies that will be provided upon at check-in. Please plan to arrive by 12:30 pm. We encourage you to plan ahead for food, water, sunscreen, shade, and other necessities.
Will there be parking available for those who attend this part of the event?
All walkers may park at the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts at Market Ave N, Canton, OH. Due to minimum parking availability, we encourage you to carpool with your team. Another option is to take SARTA, LYFT, or UBER - enjoy the festival and let them drive for you!
Why isn’t it a parade?
The first LGBT Pride was held on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in NYC. It was an unpermitted, explicitly political protest of anti-LGBT policies and attitudes. Our commitment at Stark Pride Festival is to recognize our Pride event as an expression to promote complete and full equality and equity, which has yet to be achieved for all LGBTQ+ people.
Where does the money from the event donations go?
To bring the festival to life is expensive. Therefore, donations are applied to cover event costs such as supplies, equipment rental, and security. Any proceeds not used for Stark Pride Festival 2024 will be applied to Stark Pride Festival 2025. This will help us continue celebrating with you for years to come.
What accommodations are available for a person with disabilities to participate in the march?
There will be accommodations available. All information will be given via email. If you have any specific concerns, please contact [email protected].
What do I do if, after registration, we decide to change our plans (e.g., more marchers than anticipated, etc.)?
For changes, please get in touch with us at [email protected] as soon as possible.
How much room will we have for our banner/equipment, etc.?
The march is .6 miles long and will utilize 2-lcar lanes. Please keep this in mind when making your banner or signs.
Also, keep in mind that the formation area will be very crowded during set-up. Care should be taken with banners, signs, musical instruments, props, etc., to ensure that they don't get stepped on or take up excessive space while waiting to begin the march. SPF is not responsible for damage to any personal property during the march.
How are participating organizations recognized at the march?
There are numerous creative ways to make an impact and gain recognition during the march. Banners, costumes, branded giveaways, choreography, chants, or props can all help you stand out among the groups marching through Canton to support the LGBTQ+ community. We strongly encourage you to surprise us and showcase your creativity. At the very least, we recommend that all groups have a large sign or banner at the beginning of their group to identify who they are to spectators and media. Please remember that signs and banners will need to be visible on both sides of the route, up to 50 feet away.
Where can I tell my family and friends where they can view the march?
March viewers can sit or stand on the sidewalks along Market Ave N between the Cultural Center and 5th Street NW. we recommend they stand on the sidewalk on the west side of Market Ave N