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Kentuckiana Pride Festival discusses safety plan ahead of 'at capacity' event

With tickets sold out and sunny weather expected this weekend, festival organizers are keeping safety at the forefront.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This weekend, the Big Four Lawn will be packed with tens of thousands of people celebrating the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation's 23rd Pride Festival.

More than 25,000 folks are expected to be in attendance with more than 200 vendors. Top headliners like Icona Pop and Chappell Roan will take the stage.

This is the first year the festival has ever reached capacity.

"Am I concerned, I'm always concerned when you produce a festival like this you have to have safety in mind," Rodney Coffman, president of Kentuckiana Pride Foundation, said.

Since the United States has issued a travel advisory for LGBTQ+ people, Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is working closely with Louisville Metro Police for heightened security.

In a statement LMPD said the department is aware of possible threats and is working to ensure the safety of festivalgoers.

“LMPD stands ready to respond to any possible threats for large gatherings, such as the Louisville Pride Festival. While we cannot divulge the specifics of operations for security reasons, the department practices comprehensive preparedness including, but not limited to, intelligence-gathering and appropriate staffing detailed to large events. LMPD will continue partnering with other law enforcement agencies and monitor to help provide safe environments for our residents and visitors.”

"As a gay man I have to deal with it myself,” Coffman said. “It's sad we're dealing with this."

RELATED: Here's what roads will be closed for the Kentuckiana Pride Parade, Festival

Fairness Campaign executive director Chris Hartman said just being part of the LGBTQ+ community is often a threat.

"LGBTQ folks have always lived unfortunately with a sense of fear and danger," he said.

He reassured local teams are working to ensure safety.

"If you have any trepidation at all don't worry folks are planning for safety we're going to make certain that everyone is as safe and secure as possible," Hartman said.

He and Coffman are inviting everyone to celebrate this weekend.

The parade kicks off at noon in NuLu on June 15 and ends at the Big Four Lawn where the festival ends at 10 p.m.

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