Anthony Mariani

In the 1970s and ’80s up north where I’m from, soccer wasn’t even a thing. We’d heard of Pelé, but that’s about it. It was all football (American-style), baseball, hockey, and basketball. That’s it. And, individually, swimming and golf. Having never been taught soccer, I spent most of my life ignoring it — until a really good Italian team made the World Cup. And eventually won it. This was in 2006, and I, as a full-blooded second-generation Italian, watched every second of every match.

Pride Kel-So is back for another go-round this fall. After drawing more than 1,600 last October to the Keller-Southlake area, the inaugural event, organizers say, demanded a follow-up. Slated for Sat, Oct 3, the second annual Pride Kel-So will take place at the same location as last year’s event, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church (223 S Pearson Ln, Keller, 817-431-2396), helmed by The Rev. Alan D. Bentrup.

After relocating to South Main Village last year, Trinity Pride Fest experienced its largest turnout to date. More than 7,000 souls packed the Near Southside area around South Main Street for a day of partying and inclusivity. And of being out and loud.