Pride Celebration in River Falls: How Two Dog Lovers Brought Diversity and Inclusion to their Community

River Falls, Wisconsin is becoming increasingly diverse and accepting, thanks to the efforts of two individuals who bonded over their love for dogs. Beau Fair, a student at UW River Falls studying business administration management and companion animal services, and Bridget Faricy, an entrepreneur seeking a dog trainer for her energetic standard poodle Ivan, found common ground in their passion for dogs.

As they grew closer, they also discovered a shared respect for Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they decided to bring a Pride celebration to River Falls by organizing a virtual event where local businesses could offer discounts and show their support. The response was overwhelming, with over 50 businesses participating. From coffee shops to restaurants to craft studios, businesses across River Falls joined the initiative.

Some businesses signed up quickly and expressed excitement about the Queer Crawl event. Swinging Bridge Brew Pub and Fox Den Used Books were among those that eagerly participated. Businesses participating in the virtual Pride event are offering discounts of up to 40% on their products and services. The support from the community has been heartening, with residents and businesses coming together to celebrate diversity and acceptance.

This initiative is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in River Falls. To view a full list of businesses participating in the event, you can visit the St. Croix Valley Pride website.