River Falls, a city in western Wisconsin, is experiencing a surge of color and support for the LGBTQ+ community thanks to the efforts of local businesses. This is the first time that businesses in the St. Croix Valley have openly shown their support for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to the initiatives of UW River Falls student Beau Fair and entrepreneur Bridget Faricy.
Fair and Faricy initially connected over their love for dogs, with Fair studying to become a dog trainer and Faricy in need of one for her standard poodle, Ivan. Through their shared passion for dogs, they discovered a mutual respect for Pride and decided to bring a Pride event to River Falls.
The vision is to make River Falls a Pride destination, with events leading up to the Minneapolis Pride Festival. Faricy, who is new to River Falls, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and celebratory environment for everyone, regardless of their identity.
In just a few weeks, Fair and Faricy organized a virtual celebration and reached out to local businesses for support. The response was overwhelming, with over 50 businesses offering Pride discounts on products and services. From coffee shops to restaurants to craft classes, the community came together to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Businesses like Swing Bridge Brew Pub and Fox Den Used Books enthusiastically joined the campaign, offering discounts of up to 40% for the week. The initiative has created a sense of unity and celebration in River Falls, with the hope of making it an inclusive and welcoming place for all. To see a full list of businesses participating in the virtual event, visit the St. Croix Valley Pride website.
