Milwaukee Pride to light the Hoan Bridge in replace of PrideFest

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Jun 2, 2021 6:59 AM CDT

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Milwaukee Pride, Inc. will light the Hoan Bridge June 4 through June 6 in rainbow colors. The dates were originally set for the 2021 PrideFest festival, the state's largest LGBTQ+ event.

This year marks the second consecutive year PrideFest was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials say Milwaukee Pride worked with Light the Hoan and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee on a collaboration effort that will include a 60 minute DJ set featuring Milwaukee's own DJ Shawna.

“After two years of no PrideFest, it’s very important to maintain visibility for the LGBTQ community as well as to celebrate the history, people, and progress that define PRIDE,” said Wes Shaver, President, Milwaukee Pride, Inc. “There just isn’t any bigger or better way to celebrate in 2021– so why not light up Milwaukee. I’m so excited to see tens of thousands of Milwaukeeans enjoy the lights and take advantage of all the opportunities this brings to celebrate their personal pride,” he added.

Saturday, June 5 will feature a 60-minute DJ set by DJ Shawna, the official DJ for the Milwaukee Bucks and longtime PrideFest DJ. The Hoan Bridge's lights will be set to a custom show integrating the music and lights. The hour-long set will begin at 9 p.m.

"I really miss our LGBTQ+ family and community. I wanted this mix to be both nostalgic and representative of the incredible music our community enjoys today. My goal for this mix in conjunction with the Hoan Bridge is to bring as much joy and literal light to as many people as possible. I love you all,” DJ Shawna said.

People are encouraged to visit the light display, take photos, and share with the hashtags #MKEPRIDE and #MKEPRIDE2021 and #LIVEPROUD.

“Light the Hoan is all about shining a light on good things happening in Milwaukee, so we’re excited to help connect some of Milwaukee’s cultural icons for this event: Milwaukee Pride (and) PrideFest, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, DJ Shawna, and the Hoan Bridge,” Michael Hostad, Co-Founder, Light the Hoan, said.