In the Fall of 2010 staff at the Phoenix Center asked a question.  Why don’t we (Springfield) have a Pride Festival? A group of interested people got together and decided to make it happen. In May, 2011 Springfield PrideFest became a reality. This street fair is held the 3rd Saturday of May. It is the product of many hours of hard work and meetings and it is the best festival in Central Illinois! It is a day of embracing diversity and celebrating the Central IL LGBTQ community. It is an event with something for everyone – a kids area, a large stage with live entertainment, lots of great vendors selling goods and giving out  information, great food & drinks, tons of fun, and time spent with family & friends. Springfield PrideFest is organized by the Phoenix Center.