OKC Pride Guard Makes Its Debut at Pride on 39th Street Parade

The Oklahoma marching arts community has a new summer performance opportunity, and it made a strong first impression.

OKC Pride Guard, a color guard developed through the Mustang Independent Winter Guard organization, debuted on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Pride on 39th Street Pride Parade in Oklahoma City. The group was created to give color guard performers and guard directors a place to continue performing after aging out of winter guard, while also opening the door for anyone who wants to be part of the activity.

Unlike most competitive winter guard programs, OKC Pride Guard has no age limit. Performers can join regardless of age or experience level, making it a welcoming space for former performers, current instructors, alumni, beginners and anyone who loves the marching arts.

Before their first parade performance, the group held three rehearsals at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. That short preparation window made their debut even more impressive. By the time they stepped off in the Pride on 39th Street Parade, OKC Pride Guard looked confident, joyful and ready to represent the marching arts in a new way.

The crowd responded in a big way. The parade was a great success, and OKC Pride Guard quickly became one of the standout groups of the day. In my opinion, they were the crowd favorite.

Directors Manny Ruiz and Richard Pantoja hope to continue the guard each late spring and summer, giving performers another outlet after the winter guard season ends. Their long-term vision is to see OKC Pride Guard grow into something similar to the SoCal Pride Color Guards, creating a visible, inclusive and exciting performance group for Oklahoma City.

For a first-year group with only a handful of rehearsals, OKC Pride Guard showed exactly why this kind of opportunity matters. It gives performers a place to keep spinning, keep growing and keep sharing the joy of color guard with the community.

OKC Pride Color Guard in the 2026 Pride on 39th Parade. Video by Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams Media.