FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Northwest Arkansas’ 20th annual Pride Parade is just days away and preparations for the procession on Dickson Street have already begun with colorful flags hanging on just about every street lamp and door in the area.
In order to accommodate the parade, construction is underway on Dickson Street, West Avenue, and the Walton Arts Center parking lot, just three days before visitors come to the city.
The 2023 Pride parade saw around 30,000 visitors, and organizers said they expect to see the same numbers —or more— this weekend.
Experience Fayetteville CEO Molly Rawn says 120 groups will participate in the parade and there will be many events for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend.
"We want you to come to downtown Fayetteville, celebrate this event with us, enjoy the community, and get a sense of what makes Pride, Pride," Rawn adds.
With that in mind, the construction running from West Avenue to School Avenue along Dickson Street has raised some concerns about walkability with so many people in the area, but Terry Gulley with Fayetteville Transportation says it will not be an issue.
"We're going to be at a stopping point by noon tomorrow, and then we'll gravel in the areas that we're still working on," said Gulley. "Some of the sidewalks that we poured today will be walkable by the weekend. So we'll have all that cleaned up."
Other construction in the area has caused a change in location. The West Avenue parking lot has typically been where the Expo Center has been located in past years.
Rawn explains, "That is under construction right now for The Ramble, which we are thrilled to be able to unveil later this year. So in the meantime, that Expo Center has been moved to the lot behind Bordino's and Yeehawg, where the main stage will be."
As in previous years, Fayetteville PD will provide security in the area to ensure everyone visiting and participating in the parade is safe. Organizers are also encouraging everyone to wear sunscreen and bring water.
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