NORFOLK, Neb.— The Elkhorn Valley Museum sounded a little different on Saturday during the Norfolk Area Pride Fest.

Hosted at Verges Park, just outside the museum, Norfolk Pride’s 5th annual festival brought color, music, and connection to the heart of the community.

“Creates, you know, just a really fun atmosphere for the day, as we can hear the band kinda in the background,” Executive director for the Elkhorn Valley Museum Libby McKay said.

The Pride Festival is organized by Norfolk Area Pride, with help from local sponsors and supporters who know just how important it is to raise awareness and show support for the LGBTQ+ community

Volunteer Natalie Kent says it gives people in the community a chance to not only be seen, but to be heard.

“We are here to stay and we are going to live, love, and be your neighbors.” Kent said, “And we are going to be ourselves unapologetically from this point forward.”

Here to stay is this year’s theme of the festival… a message Norfolk Area Pride says is more than slogan its a promise.

Verges Park has been the home of Norfolk Pride Fest for two years now, and they say having a dedicated space for the community to come together is a priority.

“The Elkhorn Valley Museum, you know, we hold the stories of our region, right? And the stories of our community.” McKay said, “So we try to be as community centered as we can. So it’s always a good feeling when we can have the community, kind of, enjoy what we have to offer.”

Dozens of vendors and artists filled the park, some there to showcase their work, others offering resources, and one even giving out free hugs to anyone who needed it.

From live music and family-friendly activities, to quiet conversations under the trees, Pride Fest brought together people of all ages to celebrate love, identity, and community.

Norfolk Area Pride says their mission is simple, to provide a safe space where people can show up as their authentic selves and find a community that supports them.