Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (July 13, 2026) – More than 3,000 attendees celebrated the 10th Annual Open Door Pride Festival in Martin Park, Sturgeon Bay, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Live musical performances, food trucks, and a wide range of family-friendly activities were enjoyed by all. Government officials from the state and local level read proclamations declaring June as Pride Month in the state of Wisconsin as well as Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, and Baileys Harbor.
PFLAG Door County is the 2026 recipient of the Sandy Brown Award. Given annually to a group or individual representing the ideals of diversity through inclusion. PFLAG has consistently provided education, support, and cultural events for the LGBTQIA, Non-Binary Communities, their Allies and loved ones. They advocate at the local, state and national level to ensure decision-makers realize the issues facing our communities, and teach future generations how to use their voices for a more equal, just, and loving world. Accepting the award was President Beth Mitchell and members.
This year’s award was designed and created by artist Karen Hertz-Sumnicht of Art on 3rd Gallery Sturgeon Bay.
Volunteer representatives of past recipients selects the winner of the Sandy Brown Award. Chair of the award committee is Jerod Santek, Artistic Director of Write On Door County, the 2021 award recipient. Other 2026 nominees who received certificates of appreciation from Open Door Pride are: Ally Bretl, Avery Burns, Katie Dahl, Nicole Herbst, Door County Knock and Northern Sky Theater. Open Door Pride would like to thank all the nominees for their continued support of LGBTQIA+ Community in Door County
Seeking 2027 Sandy Brown Award nominees: To nominate a person or organization in Door County who has made distinct contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, https://opendoorpride.org/sandy-brown-award/
5th annual Open Door Pride IDEA
The recipient of the 5th annual Open Door Pride IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility) Scholarship is Sturgeon Bay HIgh graduate Sid Forest. Sid intends to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. The $1000 scholarship is funded by Jeff Jara, Marie Squire, and the Baird Foundation.
An additional $500 runner-up scholarship was awarded to Sevastopol High graduate Daniel Castillo Barahona who will pursue a Bachelors in Chemical engineering. The scholarship is funded by Stewart Parins and James Bryan.
Both applicants presented an essay that captures the essence of Open Door Pride’s mission of inclusion and diversity. “Cultivating a supportive community is one of my greatest motivations and I aspire to do so wherever I may be in life.” Sid Forest.
“As I continue my education, I want to keep supporting inclusive learning spaces and helping people feel seen and valued.” Daniel Castillo Barahona
Our thanks to all of the government officials and community participants who made it a wonderful day!
ALL CONTENT © 2026 BY DOOR GUIDE PUBLISHING
