ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona and the Blair County Inclusion Alliance will host the Pride Parade on Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Altoona.

“We are excited to bring back the Pride Parade this year,” says Sue Patterson, director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Penn State Altoona. “The event is on Oct. 11 because that is National Coming Out Day — a day we encourage people to be their authentic selves. We want to support individuals regardless of how they identify.”

The family-friendly event will include kid’s activities, a DJ, and representatives from the Free Mom Hugs organization. Parade marshals will be Ron Darbeau, Chancellor at Penn State Altoona, and Missy Peters of the Blair County Inclusion Alliance.

This is the first partnership between Penn State Altoona and the Alliance, which focuses on advocacy, education, and outreach. Patterson says having a community organization as co-sponsor helps make the parade a true Blair County area event.

“It is important to have events like this to recognize all members of our community,” says Sue Patterson. “We try to share that no matter who you are, you belong here. The goal is a festive celebratory safer space for people to gather and just have some fun. Penn State is honored to connect with the community in this event.”

The parade will begin at the corner of Green Avenue and 9th Street and end near Heritage Square in downtown Altoona.