Contributors: Rachel Jamison and Aaron Yeager.
The Stow-Munroe Falls DEI Alliance is proud to announce the second annual Stow-Munroe Falls Pride Cookout. This free community event will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Leona Farris Lodge (formerly Silver Springs Lodge) in Silver Springs Park.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Pride Cookout serves as a safe, affirming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to gather for food, fellowship, and celebration. The event is designed to be fully inclusive, featuring ADA-accessible facilities and a diverse menu including vegan, gluten-free, and non-pork options to ensure all guests feel welcome.
“This cookout is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of queer identity and the strength of our local community,” said Rachel Jamison, Vice President of Stow Collaboration for Change. “We invite everyone to join us in creating a space where every resident feels seen, safe, and celebrated.”
The afternoon will feature a wide array of entertainment and activities for all ages, including:
- Live Performances: Featuring local drag queens.
- Interactive Fun: A selfie station with Pride props, face painting, and friendship bracelet crafting.
- Lawn Games: Cornhole, bocce ball, and ladder ball.
- Community Resources: Local organizations will table at the event to share information and support.
In addition to the festivities, the event will serve as a fundraiser for five local organizations, and attendees are encouraged to bring food and hygienic items to support the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center as well. A 50/50 raffle and a silent auction will also be held, with all proceeds split among the host organizations to support ongoing DEI initiatives in the Stow-Munroe Falls area.
While the event is free to attend, the organizers have set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to cover costs and support future community programming. Donations can be made via cash, card, or check (payable to Stow Collaboration for Change) at the event, or via the online event page.
If a business or organization would like to sponsor the event, they can do so here, and if they’d like to table at the event, they can register here.
For more information, to RSVP, or to donate, please visit: sc4c.org/pride
About the SMF DEI Alliance
The SMF DEI Alliance, a partnership between the Stow-Munroe Falls DEI Initiative, SMF N.I.C.E., the SMF LGBTQ Crew, the Stow-Munroe Falls Democratic Club, and Stow Collaboration for Change, serves as a catalyst for social progress within Stow-Munroe Falls, dedicated to fostering an environment that is both safe and inclusive, where every voice is heard and valued. Through intentional dialogue, cultural events, and targeted advocacy, we work to dismantle barriers and ensure every resident feels a true sense of belonging.