By the 2000-teens, Pride Celebrations in Kansas City were on the decline.  Perceived focus towards a target market group rather than the entire community, uneven production values, and ongoing concern around fiscal responsibilities have all contributed to a sense of frustration and apathy about Pride.  Indeed, there have been attempts at offering what some might consider competing Pride events.  For these reasons, this 40th anniversary year brought a new emphasis on improvements to the Celebration, resulting in the largest crowds of the decade so far.