Securing the Utah Pride Festival: What's allowed in and what must stay out

Yahoo

05-06-2025

SALT LAKE CITY () — Security will be keeping and parade goers safe this weekend, as the Utah Pride Center is handling security through a private security team.
'We coordinate closely with the Salt Lake Police Department, as well as a really robust private security team that is able to ensure the safety of all the guests attending the festival this weekend,' executive director Chad Call said.
Security and police will be protecting what they expect to be close to 100,000 people coming through downtown this weekend.
'This weekend is probably going to be one of our busiest weekends,' Salt Lake City Police Department Officer Yaier Javaid said.
When it comes to safety, Javaid keeps it simple: if you see something, say something.
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'Our officer is going to be out in the community just making sure everyone's safe. At the end of the day, our community members are our eyes and ears,' Javaid said. 'Something suspicious or something concerning, if you see an officer nearby, reach out. If not, then give us a call. We'll come out and check it out, make sure everything's ok, make sure everyone's safe.'
Everybody going to the festival will go through a TSA-style security screening with restricted items. Here is a list of what won't make it through:
Furniture, chairs, blankets, or tents
Coolers
Pets of any kind. The Pride Festival welcomes trained service animals. Please be aware that emotional support/comfort animals are not considered service animals at the festival and will not be allowed into The Pride Festival for the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. If you have any questions, please email: [e-mail]
Food or Drink. Empty water bottles and empty camel packs are acceptable. Water refill stations will be provided inside the grounds free of charge.
Glass containers of any kind.
Professional grade cameras (with detachable lenses longer than 2 inches), detachable zoom lenses, and other commercial accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed).
No capture of photo, video, or audio for commercial use. For a press credential, please email: [e-mail]
Drones or any other remote flying device.
Weapons of any kind: guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.
Fireworks or explosives.
Drugs or illicit substances.
Large signs, banners, or flags.
Laser pointers.
Markers, Sharpies, chalk, paint pens, or spray paint.
Glowsticks.
Balloons, balls, frisbees, stuffed animals, dolls, or kites.
Poi, fire dancing equipment, hula hoops, or contact staff.
E-cig refill juice and extra cartridges.
Large chains or spiked jewelry.
Hoverboards, skateboards, scooters or segways. *Mobility devices will be allowed. If you have any questions, please email; [e-mail]
'Pride festivals are different, and we adapt and change every year to meet the current safety and threat levels that are evolving, just like our community evolves, we do too,' Call said.
Securing the Utah Pride Festival: What's allowed in and what must stay out
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