A pride festival on Main Street, Three Rivers, was something the future Monique Madison never expected to see while growing up in Sturgis. On Saturday, June 29, Monique was one of several drag queens entertaining the downtown audience during Three Rivers Pride.
“Isn’t it gorgeous having drag queens on Main Street?” Monique asked the enthusiastic crowd. “This is a big achievement!”
Estimates for the amount of people attending Three Rivers Pride were not available as of 1 p.m. Monday, July 1. What can be confirmed is that participating organizations, performers and vendors appreciated having a safe, positive, inviting and welcoming experience.
“I’m here to support my mom, my boyfriend and my friend,” Kaylynn Sage, Three Rivers, said.
Supportive environments and loved ones are necessities for the LGBTQIA+ community and for society as a whole. Three Rivers Pride allowed guests to learn about outlets for better mental and physical health, creative or spiritual expression, or just fun.
“We’re preventing suicide for youth and beyond,” St. Joseph County Suicide Prevention Chair Sydney Herman said. “We were formed in 2021 and since then, it’s been many community members, whether it’s professionals or just anyone that’s interested, providing resources or holding and taking part at events.”
Checking out the scene on Main Street or greeting visitors at our booth, Watershed Voice photographed some Three Rivers Pride highlights.
Desiree K, Three Rivers. 
Warren, 2 1/2, and mom Jessica, Three Rivers. 
Kimmi Stevens, Three Rivers. 
Aaron Smith, Kalamazoo, represented Free Mom Hugs. 
Megan Phillips, left, and Denesha Anding, general manager of Three Rivers Timbers. 
Three Rivers Pride kicked off at noon Saturday, June 29, and remained active through the afternoon and evening. 
Richard Johnson, left, of Creative Ideas by Richard, and Aaron Grandstaff, both of Three Rivers. 
From left, Jenny DeLeon and daughter Cat DeLeon, Portage, Tobias D., Kalamazoo, Josh V., Three Rivers, Tobias’ mom, Jax D., Kalamazoo, and Cam C. and mom Trina N., Portage. 
From left, Jeanette and Kaylynn Sage, representing Jade Crafts, plus Victor Orozco and Jacob Overholt of O’Boys Buttons. All are from Three Rivers. 
Yolanda Del Fierce lived up to her name, impressing the audience. 
Love was what Reba Rose Rau and the audience shared. Behind Reba is hostess Monique Madison. 
Martin, left, and Thor Hanson, who sported the nonbinary flag, both from Kalamazoo. 
Sabrina Smallcombe, Three Rivers. 
Husband and wife Don and Sarah Knowles, Vicksburg. 
Jessica Modrzynski, St. Joseph Suicide Prevention. 
Husbands Drew Colbert, left, and Kyle Strawser. Both are from Three Rivers, Drew said, and came back for Pride. 
Riley McGee and mom Michelle McGee, Three Rivers. 
Representing Watershed Voice, from left, Steph Hightree, Frank Stanko, Alek Haak-Frost, and Deborah Haak-Frost. 
Chloe Mae Page and Tim Jordan, representing the Three Rivers Community Players. 
Nicole Carpenter, Three Rivers, tried out some bubble art.
