Ohio will have one less Pride celebration in 2026.
Ashtabula Pride Inc., a volunteer-led nonprofit organization in Northeast Ohio, announced via social media on Sunday that they will not be hosting the Ashtabula Pride Festival in 2026.
Organizers cited a lack of “physical support or financial backing necessary to create a festival of this magnitude and ensure its success.”
Becke Powell, director of Ashtabula Pride Inc., said that the 2025 Pride celebration attracted more than 3,000 participants and over 100 vendors, but the event was organized through the “blood, sweat and tears” of only seven core individuals.
“This year, we have a few less as some of our key players moved or aren’t able to dedicate as much time,” Powell told The Buckeye Flame.
Making things worse, Powell said some major financial sponsors had to pull their support for 2026, including funders whose financial support can no longer be tied to DEI-related expenditures due to new limitations imposed by the Trump administration.
“Big money is afraid,” Powell said. “I really think they are.”
Organizers promised there would still be a series of smaller pop-up events throughout the year, including the Synjin Sheneman Memorial PRIDE Art Show and queer cabarets at local theaters.
The organization will also continue to offer the Bill DayWalt Scholarship, in honor of the work and dedication of a local Ashtabula hero. Although they may not be able to distribute as much support as they did in 2025 -– $8,000 was distributed to eight recipients -– organizers are committed to continuing DayWalt’s legacy in 2026.
The Last Five Years
Ashtabula Pride Inc. launched in 2021 with a Pride festival held on private property. The Pride celebration moved to the Ashtabula Fairgrounds in 2023, then to Walnut Beach – a local public park – for 2024 and 2025.
Some local residents collected signatures in 2024 in an attempt to ban children from being able to attend the festivities, but those voices – including pastors threatening biblical death – were far outnumbered by local residents who spoke at the City Council meeting in support of the Pride celebrations. The City Council sustained their already-approved permit for Pride.
Responses to the Pride cancellation post on Facebook included individuals saying they were “devastated,” as others expressed determination.
“I think the community of Ashtabula should come together to make it happen somehow,” wrote one user. “Please don’t lose hope and give up.”
Despite the cancellation, organizers have vowed to come back stronger in 2027 and hope that this upcoming year brings volunteers, particularly younger individuals with a passion for creating the community Pride festival.
“We’re not going to disappear,” said Powell. “But it’s going to take people coming in from out of the shadows who aren’t afraid to get involved.” 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- Ashtabula Pride Inc needs volunteer power! Go to their website here to help out.
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