New Hope Celebrates is opening Pride season early with a 15th annual week-long “United Colors of Love” Pride festival May 12-19.
With nearly 15,000 participants annually, New Hope Celebrates joins the LGBT-friendly towns of Lambertville, N.J. and New Hope for special events, parties and educational activities, concluding with the parade and festival.
The week starts off with an inaugural Pride 5k and a 1-mile Health Walk hosted by the Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce and New Hope Celebrates.
The 5k will be followed by the unfurling of a 25-foot rainbow equality flag.
New Hope PrideFest weekend begins May 18, with ia parade, marching bands, political organizations, youth groups, schools, churches and various communities in support of LGBT equality and inclusion.
Former NHC President Sharon Fronabarger highlighted the importance of community members showing up to celebrate and embrace diversity — the driving force of the festivities.
“I am proud to be a part of an organization focused on highlighting equality and inclusiveness for all, but especially for the LGBT community,” said Fronabarger.
To that end, this year’s slogan is “I am New Hope” to emphasize the message.
The campaign’s mission is to influence community members to embrace differences and promote diversity.
The Pride Fair follows the parade, showcasing local artists, retailers and LGBT-owned and operated professional services. The fair will be held in the parking lot of the Logan Inn on Ferry Street. Live entertainment on the Pride Street Stage will feature The Voice finalist Chris Weaver as “Nedra Belle.”
The third annual New Hope Celebrates Rocks OUT Cocktail Contest will be going on throughout New Hope’s Pride week, inviting visitors to participate in judging drinks created by local establishments.
Other events during PrideFest weekend include the annual Saturday Night Fever dance party, the Sunday Funday pool party and the Ladies 2000 Pride Party.