The 12th Annual Youngstown Pride Festival is kicking off Saturday, June 25 at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre at noon. However, one event staple will be missing this year.

This year, the City of Youngstown will not be hosting a pride parade due to construction along Front Street, as well as Wick Avenue up to Market Street.

"The roads are just so bad, it wasn't safe to do a parade this year. We usually do, but it's just not safe," said Pride Youngstown Board Member, Carlos Rivera.

The parade may be absent this year, but folks can still experience drag performers on the stage throughout the day as well as live music, an appearance from Comedian, Eric Thompson and a variety of food and drinks from vendors.

In addition, security for the event will be increased this year. Pride Youngstown Board Member, Kim Akins tells 21 News this is due to the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ groups infiltrating events across the country.

Akins tells us there have been no threats made specifically to the Youngstown festival at this time. Youngstown Police Department will provide security.

The event is free and open to the public and will run from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.