SEATTLE — The coronavirus is still taking an effect on Seattle traditions, which includes the Seattle Pride Parade and Festival.
Seattle Pride announced last month that it will be going online to hold a virtual event.
Every year, Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle is lined with more than 250,000 people celebrating at the end of June. This year, the street will look empty as people stay safe at home.
For the past several years, KIRO 7 has been the proud partner of Seattle Pride, broadcasting live coverage of the event.
For more information, on Seattle Pride information and events, click here.
With an ongoing coronavirus pandemic and a ban on large gatherings, Seattle Pride Executive Director Krystal Marx told KIRO 7 they had to make changes.
"It wasn't enough just to cancel our in-person events, but we still needed to provide some opportunities to come together, whether that was in a virtual space,” Marx said.
From June 26-28, Seattle Pride will have speakers, celebrations and events over Zoom and other online chat programs.
"Between live music and recorded music, speakers from around the world are coming to talk to them about issues that really matter to our community," Marx said.
Marx acknowledged that we're living in unprecedented times, with a global pandemic and with several protests across the country over the death of George Floyd.
“We see you and believe you and are trying to amplify voices right now and do a better job in the future,” Marx said.
As far as in-person events go, it’s still possible it may happen later this year. It will depend on when large gatherings may be safer.
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