By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
MCKINNEY — Rain and thunderstorms may have delayed the start of McKinney Pride on Saturday, but they did little to dampen attendance as an estimated 800 to 1,000 people gathered at Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park for what organizers described as the largest event in the celebration’s five-year history.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees visited dozens of vendor booths, connected with local nonprofits, churches, and community organizations, and enjoyed live entertainment that included dance performances and musical acts. Despite muddy conditions left behind by the morning storms, the event remained active as families, residents, and visitors continued arriving throughout the day.
Organizers estimated attendance at more than 800 people, with some placing the total above 1,000 attendees. The crowd size represented a significant increase from previous years.
“We were thrilled that crowds over 800 conservatively attended, dwarfing the prior years attendance of 300,” said Julie Jernigan, secretary of McKinney Pride Alliance. “We couldn’t have hosted the event without our dozens of volunteers who braved the rain, 48 vendors, churches and nonprofits who greeted our attendees, and our entertainers like McKinney’s own Paris Davenport.”
From Downtown Gathering to Growing Nonprofit
While attendees spent the afternoon browsing booths and enjoying entertainment, organizers reflected on how far the event has come since it began.
“McKinney Pride started as a collaborative effort that took place in my store, The Groovy Coop, and Carpe Diem Comics both located on the McKinney Square,” said Katie Scott, vice president of McKinney Pride. “It is now a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization run by a governing board and supported by numerous supporters and volunteers in the community.”
The morning storms created challenges during setup, but organizers said attendees continued arriving after the weather cleared.
“I told someone today that the LGBTQIA2S+ community has had to navigate so many obstacles and threats to their rights that a little storm isn’t going to get them down,” Scott said. “We are a resilient bunch, and look forward to any time we can gather together.”
Community Support Continues to Grow
Now in its fifth year, organizers said attendance has increased significantly since the event’s early years.
Scott said she has witnessed changes in community engagement since the event’s beginnings.
“McKinney is my home, and I am so happy to see how far we have come as a city that accepts others, despite our differences,” she said. “I have seen an increase in empathy towards our neighbors, in spite of how divisive these times may seem.”
The event also drew support from a number of local elected officials, community leaders, and Democratic candidates from across Collin County, many of whom attended and visited with residents throughout the afternoon.
Among those attending was Jeremy Sutka, chair of the Collin County Democratic Party, who said the event’s turnout reflected its continued growth over the past five years and described it as “the largest Pride event our city has ever seen.”
For attendees, much of the focus remained on the atmosphere and sense of community.
“It was a positive community event,” said Lisa West. “Joyful, uplifting, and welcoming where participants felt safe to be themselves.”
First-time attendee Cindy Gomez shared a similar experience.
“This was my first Pride event and it was so much fun,” Gomez said. “Everyone was so happy and lots of artists showcasing their work and also organizations providing info to the community.”
Recent McKinney High School graduate James Houston said events like McKinney Pride create opportunities for residents to better understand one another.
“I think it’s so important that we engage in events like this so that we might be able to better understand our neighbors,” Houston said.
Performer Paris Nicole Davenport said the weather never seemed to diminish the crowd’s enthusiasm.
“Despite the storms that morning, there was never a sense of defeat,” Davenport said.
Davenport said this year’s event felt different from previous celebrations because of its growth and turnout.
“Every Pride is special, but this year felt different because of the overwhelming sense of unity and support,” she said. “You could feel the growth—not just in attendance, but in the way people showed up for one another.”
Looking out from the stage, Davenport said, “It felt less like an event and more like a family reunion.”
A Peaceful Day Despite the Weather
No significant disruptions, altercations, or counterprotests were observed during the event. Attendees moved freely between vendor areas, entertainment stages, and gathering spaces as volunteers worked throughout the day to keep activities running smoothly despite the weather.
For Scott, one of the lasting memories of the day will not be the rain or muddy conditions but the atmosphere that followed.
“I hope what stays with them is the joy and enthusiasm that exuded from everyone once the storm passed,” she said. “It was palpable.”
Organizers have already begun planning for next year’s event.
“We can’t wait until McKinney Pride 2027,” Jernigan said.