The police department is stepping up security measures this weekend for the St. Joseph LGBT Pride Fest 2016.

Daniel Ramming, President of Midland Empire Equality Coalition, said security this year is more of a concern.

“We have taken some additional steps this year at the festival itself. We’ve been in contact with the police department and the sheriff’s department. They on their own decided to make more of a presence this year in light of recent events,” Ramming said. “We know of no credible threats. We’re awfully close to Topeka. Even right from the start there was always a question of whether a group like Westboro Baptist Church would come in.”

Ramming said no major issues have occurred at previous pride festivals.

“In years past there have been a couple of people escorted away, but nothing serious, threatening or dangerous,” he said.

Ramming revealed the meaning behind St. Joseph Pride Festival.

“The purpose of it is to encourage the larger St. Joseph community to get to know the LGBT community and the LGBT community to get to know St. Joseph. We’re proud of them and I hope they’re somewhat proud of us,” Ramming said.

The festival begins with a prayer service at First Christian Church located at 927 Faraon on Thursday at 7:30pm.

Local band The ReAgents will start off Friday festivities at 6pm and play until 8pm at Coleman Hawkins Park. After that there will be a drag show lasting until 10pm.

Ramming said the pride parade will begin at noon Saturday downtown.

“It starts right by Civic Arena on Felix in the Commerce Bank parking lot. It’s a very short parade. It will proceed down Felix to the Felix Street Square,” Ramming said.

A variety show will held at Coleman Hawkins Park starting at 7pm later that evening.

DJ music, food, product vendors and t-shirts will be on sale at the event.