BOISE, Idaho — A record 70,000 people are expected to turn out for Boise's 30th Annual Pride Fest on June 15, but the event is already being met with controversy.
For the first time in three years, festival organizers will not be allowed to illuminate the exterior of the Idaho State Capitol Building, which became a popular part of the festival.
"That continues to be one of the most popular, solemn events, that we have at the pride festival and personally one of my favorites as well," Joseph Kibbe, who sits on the Boise Pride Fest Board of Directors, said.
Organizers’ request to light up the Capitol was denied this year following a policy change with the State Department of Administration.
Due to the policy change, no groups are allowed to illuminate the building because of what the state says is an overwhelming number of requests.
Kibbe says if they can't reach an agreement with the department by June 15, they will most likely light the Capitol from the park across the street.
"One of the options we have discussed with our lighting engineers is high-intensity lights that are designed and powerful enough to cancel out the wash effect from the capitol lights," Kibbe said.
He added that this method will be more expensive, about $7,500.
Organizers have turned to crowdfunding and say they have so far raised thousands, but are still short of their goal.
Despite having to change plans, Kibbe says he isn't taking the policy change personally.
"I don't believe this is directly related to the LGBTQ community," he said.
Since the policy change, the State Department of Administration has denied other group's requests to light the capitol including Boise State, Cancer.org, and an Autism awareness group, according to Kibbe.