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What began as a Girl Scout Silver Award project by a local teen has grown into an annual event celebrating inclusion and community. The Chisago Lakes Pride Fun Run/Walk and Vendor Fair will return for its second year on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chisago Lakes Middle School.

The event kicks off with a noncompetitive fun run/walk open to all ages and abilities. Starting at 9am, attendees can enjoy a vendor fair featuring more than 40 local businesses, artists, makers, non profit organizations and local businesses, as well as a kid's fun zone with games, crafts and activities. Belly Wings and Fries food trailer will also be there selling tasty treats. The vendor fair is free and open to the public.

The Chisago Lakes Pride event was created in 2024 by Alexis Kamppi, a Chisago Lakes teen and Girl Scout, as part of her pursuit of the Silver Award. (Picture below with her mom.) The Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn. She was motivated by a classmate being bullied and a desire to support LGBTQ+ youth in the community. Alexis organized the first Pride Run and Vendor Fair to offer a space of support, visibility, and sense of belonging. 

“I started it because I saw some bullying going on and wanted to provide something where like-minded people in our community could come together and support each other,” Alexis said. “The event came together with the help of my family, my advisor, and God.”

The first year didn't come without challenges but Alexis said the effort was worth it. “It was stressful, but I’ll never forget seeing people running alongside me and knowing we created something meaningful.”

Alexis said her faith played a huge role in motivating her to act. “Even if you don’t believe in yourself, think of the thing you want to change and imagine it in real life. That feeling should be your guide,” she said. “And even if you don’t believe in something, you should still be able to help others. As the Bible says in Leviticus 19:18: ‘You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.’”

This year, the event is being organized by Tina Forcier, a Chisago Lakes resident and member of the LGBTQ+ community, who stepped in to continue the project after Alexis approached her about keeping the tradition going.

“I was incredibly proud of Alexis for her courage and vision,” Forcier said. “The community response has been amazing. So many people have stepped up to help. I couldn't have done this without the support and acceptance of everyone involved."

The event’s mission is “to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment where LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and friends can feel a sense of belonging, celebrate their identities, and build a community of support and acceptance in the Chisago Lakes area.”  Sunday, June 22, Alexis will be formally honored with her Silver Award at a ceremony in St. Paul, where she will be joined by family and friends to be recognized for her leadership and dedication.

All are welcome to attend the Chisago Lakes Pride event, whether participating in the run, browsing vendor booths, or simply showing up in support.

For updates, visit the Chisago Lakes Pride Facebook page.

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