Local Community News
Lincoln Community Spotlight Showcases Star City Pride Volunteers and Generous Quilt Donations
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Lincoln, Nebraska is gearing up for a big civic weekend. The 20th Annual Star City Pride Festival kicks off Friday, June 12, and runs through Sunday, June 14, drawing an expected 3,000+ people to the Nebraska State Capitol parade alone, according to Lincoln Journal Star. At the same time, local quilt volunteers are donating over 500 handmade quilts to families in need — a tradition stretching back more than 40 years.
The two efforts reflect what community observers call a "dual track" in Lincoln's identity: deep-rooted charitable labor and growing civil rights advocacy, running side by side in the same neighborhoods.
Star City Pride Marks 20 Years With Packed Weekend
Star City Pride is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit. This year marks its 20th anniversary. The weekend opens Friday at Woods Park (33rd & O St) with free admission from 4–8 PM. Saturday brings the parade around the State Capitol at 10 AM, followed by the main festival outside "Das Haus" at 17th & O St through 11 PM, according to Star City Pride.
The 2025 festival drew 4,256 attendees, per Star City Pride's annual report. This year, 89 local vendors and sponsors are taking part. President Andrew Dominguez Farias says the mission is to "inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate." The organization recruited over 100 volunteers through the "Volunteer LNK" portal, with outreach coordinator Lewis Kirke noting the group "relies heavily on community support" to run at this scale.
Two Grand Marshals Lead This Year's Celebration
This year's Grand Marshals are Kaitlyn Michaelson and Barbara Baier. Michaelson is an advocate from FaithAllyance, a coalition of 11 faith communities. She said: "I have found the work I am most passionate about, and I will continue to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community," according to Wayne State College News.
Baier is a founding member of the modern Lincoln Pride movement, active since 2005. Her inclusion highlights the anniversary's focus on honoring the people who built the festival from small community gatherings into a multi-day civic event.
Quilt Guilds Donate 500+ Quilts to Vulnerable Families
The Lincoln Quilters Guild's Cuddle Quilt program has been running since 1984, started by Sue Volkmer. It has grown from 100 quilts a year to a steady output of 500. Coordinator Vicky Skuodas manages distribution to agencies including Health and Human Services and local elementary schools, according to Kearney Hub.
Volunteers met Friday, June 5, at College View 7th Day Adventist Church to prepare this year's batch. On Saturday, June 6, the Lincoln Modern Quilt Guild hosted an "Upcycled Hoodie" workshop at the International Quilt Museum — a creative warm-up before the week's bigger events.
Pride Festival Becomes a Flashpoint for State Politics
The 20th anniversary arrives amid a tense political climate. Legislative Bill 371 (LB371), introduced by Sen. Dave Murman, would restrict drag performances. Groups like OutNebraska call it "unconstitutional censorship," according to York News-Times. Festival tabling this year will also focus on a ballot initiative targeting transgender participation in sports.
Maureen Hornacek of Rainbow Parents of Nebraska says legislative pressure has strengthened the community's resolve, spurring new advocacy networks. The City of Lincoln values volunteer labor at $25.43 per hour — making the 100+ Pride volunteers worth over $50,000 in community service. The Pride weekend's total budget was $28,663 in reported revenue last fiscal year, per nonprofit records.
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