Upstate Pride SC has announced the cancellation of all remaining in-person events for 2021, based on recent data showing a spike in COVID-19 cases across the state, the highly transmissible nature of the Delta Variant and the low vaccination rates in South Carolina.
The cancellation includes all Pride Week 2021, and Pride-sponsored events.
“Safety is our highest priority,” says President Caroline Caldwell. “This decision is not made lightly. As it is now vital to once again limit social contact, we hope you understand the steps we are taking to keep our attendees and volunteers safe by preventing further spread of the virus in our community.”
In Burlington, North Carolina, the Alamance Pride Board of Directors have cancelled the 2021 Alamance Pride festival, scheduled for October 2, also because of an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the region.
In a press release, organizers offered the following statement:
“We value the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, attendees, sponsors, vendors and the community at large. Many members of our community are immune-compromised or have children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Alamance Pride draws a large number of attendees from outside of the county, [and] we believe it would be irresponsible to create the potential for a super spreader event in light of the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant.
“While the cancellation of the festival is disappointing, Alamance Pride plans to continue a presence at the Burlington Christmas Parade, the Downtown Burlington [and] St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.”
Pride events still scheduled at press time for 2021 in North Carolina are:
OBX Pride (Outer Banks) – September 10-12
Catawba Valley Pride (Hickory) September 25
Pride Durham – September 25
Charlotte Pride – October 16 and October 24
In South Carolina:
Pride Myrtle Beach – October 2
Famously Hot South Carolina Pride (Columbia) – October 22-23
Charleston Black Pride – October 29-November 1
Low Country Pride (Bluffton) December 11-12
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