Central Illinois Pagan Pride Day returns for its fifth year from 11 a.m. until dusk on Saturday at Anderson Park, 503 E. College Ave., in Normal. 

Entry is free, but the festival asks participants to donate a nonperishable food item, which will then be given to the Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington. 

“[Paganism] varies person to person in what they define it as,” Jason Barna, local coordinator for Central Illinois Pagan Pride Day, said. “[I feel that it is] kind of a vague idea of a nature-based polytheistic religion. 

“Basically, we believe in nature. We believe in gods and goddesses.”

Throughout the day, there will also be a number of workshops, including crystals, folk practices, songs and more. 

“We prefer to gear [Pagan Pride Day] more toward education of both Pagans and non-Pagans alike,” Barna said. “Kind of give the opportunity for the community to come out and see who we are and what we are and what we’re about.”

The event will feature 17 different vendors selling both Pagan and non-Pagan oriented items, as well as Celtic folk music by Bell Book Canto.

There will also be a scavenger hunt and other activities for children throughout the day. The event is open to all ages and members of the community.

“You can see what a Pagan ritual is all about. We brought back this year our traditional ritual workshop, which is being performed by a regional coordinator,” Barna said. “He’s actually a Wiccan high priest.”