
Cyrus McCrimmon, The Denver Post
LAKEWOOD, CO – JUNE 16: Artist Lonnie Hanzon at his studio in Lakewood working on a memorial for the Orlando shooting on Thursday, June 16, 2016. It will be on display at the Denver PrideFest this weekend in Civic Center Park. Last year for Pride Fest, Hanzon created a giant festive wedding cake. This year’s tone is much more somber following Orlando. (Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post) PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Andy Cross, The Denver PostEllie Ozbayrak, 4, sports rainbow wings at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostThomas Conley, left, and Alvaro Estrada enjoys a beer after the PrideFest 5K at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostThousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostBrian Morgans proudly displays rainbow colors at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostVisitors sign messages on an 8-by-8-by-10 foot black box serving as a memorial for the 49 killed early Sunday at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostNick Gizzardo displays his hula hoop skills to the beat of the music at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMembers of law enforcement use binoculars to view the main stage area at the park from the roof of the McNichols Civic Center Building. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDenver student Obi Oberdier, left, holds a prop for Christy Lane, original founder of Denver's PrideFest before Lane took the stage for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. Lane was the first to get a permit for PrideFest forty years ago. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostNatalee Accornero of Colorado Springs joins in with other dancers on the lawn at the park. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostSouvenir vendor Jim Maser wipes sweat from the back of his head during the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver PostIris Sanchez, second from left, Holly Janson, center, and Nikki Smith, right, hold up signs advertising free hugs for all. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beat at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMorgan Lewis joins in with the dance crowd at the Dance World stage. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostMembers of law enforcement use binoculars to view the main stage area at the park from the roof of the McNichols Civic Center Building. Thousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver PostThousands gather at the Denver PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The festival lasts through Sunday with the annual Gay Pride Parade starting at 9:30 a.m. at Chessman Park heading west down Colfax Ave. to Civic Center Park. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA woman sports a rainbow painted hand at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostPrideFest goers sign a tribute wall to the Orlando shooting victims at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016 (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostChristy Lane, original founder of Denver's PrideFest awaits her entrance for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA woman signs a tribute wall to the Orlando shooting victims at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostChristy Lane, center, original founder of Denver's PrideFest, takes the stage for Denver's got Talent at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 17, 2016. Lane was the first to get a permit for PrideFest forty years ago. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostMicheal Ross waits backstage with his dog ÒLolaÓ a french bull dog dressed up for the Dogs in Drag contest at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA dancer entertains a crowd at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostLarry Kraft, right, dances to the music at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beat at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostDancing to the DJ's beats at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFestival goers enjoy the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostA man uses a spray bottle to cool off at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFolks enjoy the entertainment at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver PostFolks sign a tribute wall honoring the Orlando shooting victims at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
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Ellie Ozbayrak, 4, sports rainbow wings at the annual PrideFest celebration at Civic Center Park June 18, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
ExpandAt Civic Center park, PrideFest attendees are invited to come together in an effort to “ensure a tragedy like this does not happen again,” according to a One Colorado news release.
Other Colorado elected officials, including state Sens. Kerry Donovan and Matt Jones, faith leaders and representatives of community organizations will be in attendance.
Check back at denverpost.com for more updates and coverage of the event.































