This year's Panhandle Pride Fest to be hosted at Starlight Ranch

Returning after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 precautions, the Panhandle Pride Fest will be held June 25 at the Starlight Ranch, organizers announced Tuesday at the venue. Gates for the day's festivities will open at 3 p.m.

Organizers said they were happy to find a home for the event that fit the festival’s growing needs. The partnership with the Starlight Ranch will allow event-goers better parking, improved vendor space, controlled access to expanded family space and multiple performance areas. Previously, the event held at Memorial Park had attracted more than 3,000 people.

Marcus Rogers, Panhandle Pride’s public relations director, spoke about the event and its importance for the LGBTQ+ and the Amarillo community. He said this was a chance for the queer community to celebrate while respecting and accepting the equality of all.

Rogers said he had been a part of the organization since 2020. He said with the hiatus of the event, his organization has had a substantial amount of time to plan and set up the move to a more accommodating arena with great entertainment.

“I know many people in the Panhandle have not been exposed to queer people as in some larger cities,” Rogers said. “We strive for this event to be successful as a family-friendly event where people can learn and grow together. We are here to embrace the diversity of the Panhandle."

“We have seen incredible support from the Amarillo community and the surrounding areas for this event,” Rogers said. “We see a potential for growth for this festival, and with this move to the Starlight Ranch, we can have more people participate in this event.”

“This event specifically is helping to connect the queer community with other individuals,” Rogers added. “I know it’s not as prevalent in areas like Dallas. But we are a strong community here in the Amarillo area, and you can make connections here at the Pride event that you typically wouldn’t anywhere else. This event will be specifically designed for families and individuals just to attend and have a good time over the summer.”

Co-owner of the Starlight Ranch, Bobby Lee, said he was excited to add this event to his venue's growing list of live experiences he presents at his location.

“We are happy to be a part of one of the Panhandle’s biggest celebrations; Starlight was designed to accommodate these types of events and large numbers of people,” Lee said. "We are extremely impressed with Pride’s organization and the massive cohesiveness of their following."

Lee’s expectations for festival turnout were between 4,000 and 5,000 event-goers at the Starlight Ranch.

"I look forward to many great years working with this organization,” Lee added.

Mandy Morton, the president of the Panhandle Pride organization, spoke about the event and the opportunity to learn from all community members for their common good.

“The last time we produced a 2019 festival, there was somebody there who was very close to me who was learning; they sat quietly and watched. They watched people interact. The one takeaway they had was ‘man, there’s so much love throughout this festival, walking and talking and just being who God created them to be at that point,’” Morton said. “If you are willing to show up and see and be a part, we’re welcoming you with open arms. That’s all there is to it. It’s a good time to be who you are, whatever that may be, and to reach out and love one another. We’re in business together every day. We’re in church together. We are in all these places. Let’s come together in this venue and enjoy one another, enjoy the entertainment. I’m sure you will take away some education from that.”

Morton, who became involved in the organization in 2020 because of her event experience, said that if people show up, they will have a good time interacting in a family-friendly atmosphere.

“It’s time to celebrate one another. I would love to celebrate you; we hope you celebrate us,” Morton added.

The featured performance for the festival will be Kenny Metcalf with his Elton John Tribute Show, which highlights John’s early years. Metcalf was an original touring keyboardist for the rock band Stryper on their 1985 tour and has gained acclaim nationwide for his tribute show.

“We’ve been wanting this event for years,” Lee added. “The entertainment they do, the attitude of the whole festival, it’s addicting. We’re proud to be a part of it. That’s what Starlight Ranch was made for.”

A $5 donation to the organization is requested for admission into the family-friendly and dog-friendly event. The funds will ultimately go toward the organization and be used for “continued growth in the organization and providing platforms for education, entertainment and equality.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Panhandle Pride Fest to be hosted June 25 at Starlight Ranch