SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - It is going to be a busy and colorful weekend in downtown Springfield. From the pride parade to the Ironman triathlon, thousands are expected to pack the city streets. If you are coming downtown this weekend, you’re going to see a lot of energy and probably a few roadblocks. We are standing outside the Mass Mutual Center, where Ironman participants are here picking up their bibs now.

This weekend, the MassMutual Center will also serve as the hub for Sunday’s Ironman race. But before the athletes take over — the celebration starts with pride. The 5th annual Springfield Pride Parade kicks off Saturday at noon at STCC, organizers said this is a huge milestone year. Beyond the music and the parade, the goal is to raise money for educational programs that support local LGBTQ+ youth all year round. Taurian Bethea, the founder of the parade, says the showing of love from the community is fantastic — and the party is just getting started, “So, it’s going to be a great, great weekend here in Springfield. And it looks like the weather is going to hold out for us. So, we’re excited about that. And we just want everybody to come out, celebrate, and raise funds for amazing calls to support our LGBTQ+ youth beyond the rainbow.”

And once the parade wraps up, the focus shifts to strength. The Ironman 70.3 triathlon starts early on Sunday morning. Athletes will swim the river, bike 56 miles through the valley, and finish with a half-marathon through Forest Park. Now, with all this excitement comes traffic, Hall of Fame Avenue and Court Street will see major closures on Sunday.

Mayor Sarno asked for everyone’s patience as the city showcases what he calls our “beautiful mosaic.”

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