CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Pride has announced all in-person pride events scheduled for July and August have been canceled because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Organizers said the decision was made to protect the safety, health and wellness of the community.
>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
“Our very first priority is the safety and health of our community and our events’ attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and other partners,” Daniel Valdez, president of the Charlotte Pride Board of Directors, said. “We must do everything we can to prevent knowingly exposing our already vulnerable community to the uncertainties and risks of COVID-19. The most responsible decision in the face of the continued uncertainty over the pandemic’s trajectory is to cancel large-scale, public mass gatherings like our annual festival and parade."
This browser does not support the video element.
>> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.
The cancellation affects both Charlotte Black Pride, which was originally scheduled for the second week of July, and the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade in August.
In lieu of those events, Charlotte Pride and Charlotte Black Pride are planning digital and online events.
[Charlotte restaurants, breweries offering curbside pickup, delivery, discounts]
Officials said in 2019, the weekend long Charlotte Pride Festival brought more than 200,000 visitors to the area and generated a total economic impact of $8.05 million.
The organization plans to host the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade again on Aug. 21-22, 2021. Charlotte Black Pride will plan to host the 2021 Charlotte Black Pride Week July 11-18, 2021.