Get ready to make some noise for the New Hope Celebrates (NHC) 21st annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival, taking place May 11-19 in New Hope and Lambertville.
This year’s PrideFest theme is “Hear Us Roar,” emphasizing the need to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and elevate queer art. At the event, the new Miss NHC, Queen Diva Divine Monroe, and Mr. NHC, Sir Harold Angels will be formally introduced.
They were chosen at New Hope Celebrates (NHC) 4th Pride Pageant, “Glamazon Reign Forest,” Sunday, March 24, at the Bucks County Playhouse. Five Miss and three Mr. contestants competed in presentation, talent, formal wear and onstage Q&A.
Diva Divine Monroe is the dancing Diva of Morrisville, part of the Haus of Monroe. New to the area, Sir Harold Angels brings a passion for comedy, melodrama, and complex craft projects. They will represent the organization throughout the year at events produced by the NHC team, starting with PrideFest 2024.
Melissa Patterson, president of NHC, said, “...We want to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals to speak up and speak out, as it is important now more than ever for our voices to be heard. This year is crucial for our community and allies to ensure that we are communicating LGBTQ+ issues, protecting our fundamental right to live our lives authentically, and advocating equality for all. We are proud to announce our new Miss and Mr. NHC, who will represent our organization over the next year and help us spread this vital message.”
PrideFest is NHC’s month-long LGBTQ+ Pride event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and its allies, drawing in over 15,000 attendees each year. The Best Cocktail Contest, for those 21+ years of age, features creative drinks made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, event sponsors, at participating establishments where patrons can cast a vote for their favorite cocktail all month long.
The Flag Unfurling of the 25- by 15-foot Progress Flag over the Starbucks building at 4A E. Bridge St., New Hope will occur at 11:30 a.m. May 11, and a reception will be held immediately following at Martine’s Riverhouse.
The Pride Parade, starting in New Jersey and proceeding across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania with over 1,500 participants from local businesses, nonprofits, national marching bands, floats, and NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag, donated by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality, will take place at 11 a.m. May 18.
Afteward, the Pride Fair will take place in Pride Park at the corner of New and South Main streets, highlighting local LGBTQ+ artists, food vendors, nonprofits, professional services, and retailers. Within the Pride Fair, PrideFest Live, an outdoor concert with live entertainment, will run from noon to 5 p.m.
There will be additional social gatherings – such as a movie screening, community program, Drag Bingo Night at HollyHedge Estate, Love is Love Gala sponsored by River House at Odette’s, parties, tea dances, and more throughout the month. Check www.newhopecelebrates.com/events-calendar for more information.
Applications are open for: Pride Parade participants, vendors, partner opportunities, individual contributions. To volunteer to work at any PrideFest events, email volunteers@newhopecelebrates.com.
Email questions to info@newhopecelebrates.com.
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