Pride Corpus Christi’s Parade and Block Party, originally postponed from Oct. 3, welcomed community members to its rescheduled event on Oct. 10 at Water’s Edge Park.
The parade and block party used to be held in June during Pride Month, but in 2021 moved to October to avoid the heat of early summer. Responding to direct community feedback, Pride Corpus Christi featured 34 diverse performers and added interactive games to this year’s celebration. To ensure accessibility for everyone from large corporations to small startups, vendor pricing was kept tiered, while major backing came from title sponsor Hicks Family Subaru, which funded the stage and video wall.
The Mosaic Project, operating as Pride Corpus Christi and driven by a board of 14 unpaid volunteers, hosted the event while also preparing to open its first permanent physical facility next month. The new hub, located near The Hidden Door and Mosaviato on Staples Street, will house recording studios for the Unity 89.1 radio station, podcast production equipment, rentable board meeting rooms, and an outdoor stage designed to host year-round performers, vendors, and food trucks.
Despite facing a challenging regional and national political climate regarding LGBTQ+ rights, the organization continues to provide vital year-round programming, including mental health support groups and youth activities, while drawing a number of new backers, volunteers, and sponsorships.
