The Rozsa Center was abuzz on Mar. 20, 2025 with the sights and sounds of Spring Flare. Organized with a focus on supporting LGBTQ-friendly organizations and artists, the event brought back a springtime experiment first held in 2023 before falling by the wayside the following year. Neeve Donelly, Co-President of Keweenaw Pride and one of the main people behind the revival of the event, said, “Recent events haven’t been the best for queer folks, and I thought back to how good it [Spring Flare] was a couple of years ago… we wanted to reignite it.”
Those in attendance included queer-focused organizations such as Keweenaw Pride; political groups such as the College Democrats and Keweenaw Socialists; several miscellaneous organizations, including the Aquarium Society and the Daily Bull, and a smattering of local artists and musicians displaying their works, among many other individuals and groups.
Despite a visibly political bend to the event, the atmosphere created was lighthearted and friendly, with attendees enjoying local art and good conversation throughout the evening. Notably, Spring Flare served as a gathering for LGBTQ people and allies in the community, with many of the artists, organization representatives, and attendees being a part of the queer community. Donelly said, “The last presidential election has upturned a lot of things, and has made a lot of people feel very unsafe. We put on a big event to tell people, ‘you’re not alone in this.’”
Spring Flare was ultimately a successful event, drawing a turnout in the hundreds. Several of the organizers behind the evening’s activities have already expressed interest in bringing it back next year, with intentions of ultimately making the event an annual affair.
