Published on June 23, 2026
Franklin County sent its largest recorded delegation to the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March last Saturday, with 369 registered participants representing the county in one of the biggest civic gatherings in the region each year.
The Board of Commissioners opened its June 23, 2026 General Session with remarks honoring the occasion. Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce, who marched with the delegation, described the county's participation as a reflection of how far Franklin County has come. "It is a different Franklin County than the kind of Franklin County I grew up in," he said. "And I like that about this community."
Commissioner Erica C. Crawley, who was unable to attend this year, said she felt the community's energy through the photos and called out what the march represents beyond a single day. "It's not just one day that we celebrate love and everyone," Crawley said. "It's all year round."
Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor also addressed the board, noting that this was a historic year for the Prosecutor's Office. More than 60 attorneys and staff members from her office participated. Favor said she was told by a community member that there was a time when attending the parade meant being in the shadows. She described the change as a reflection of the county's values.
Stonewall Columbus Pride is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the United States, drawing more than 700,000 visitors through a week-long series of events. Franklin County is home to the largest Pride festival and march in Ohio and the second-largest in the Midwest.
Session Date: June 23, 2026