Moorestown's First Pride Festival Is In The Works

Correction: The Moorestown Pride Festival is on Oct. 18.

MOORESTOWN, NJ — It all started with three moms wanting to make Moorestown more inclusive. Now, their organization is planning the township's first Pride celebration.

The Moorestown Pride Festival will take place this fall. It's been in the making for several years.

In March 2022, Danielle Zukowski reached out to Kim Knowland and asked about LGBTQIA resources in Moorestown. When Knowland and her friend, Kimmie Smith, couldn't find a support group in the township, they formed their own.

Moorestown Pride began the following October with a small picnic. The organization branched into support groups at the library and participation in local events.

But the community wanted more, Knowland said. So Moorestown Pride began organizing a festival with assistance from the township.

"Our main goal is to say to the LGBTQIA community that WE ARE HERE and you are not alone," Knowland told Patch via email. "We wanted a family friendly event to celebrate pride and community."

Moorestown Pridefest is set for 6-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at Wesley Bishop Park, with live music, food trucks, vendors and more. Members of the LGBTQIA community and allies are welcome, Knowland says.

The event will feature a puppy parade, which all will be welcome to join with their furry friends. The Burlington County Animal Alliance will also bring adoptable special guests. Pridefest performers will include the band Jersey Shakedown and a Freddie Mercury impersonator.

While many Pride celebrations take place in June, Moorestown Pride didn't want to take away from other local celebrations, Knowland said. So organizers decided to hold the festival in October, when National Coming Out Day is observed.

"We are spreading Pride throughout the year," Knowland said, "so our main event in the foreseeable future will be a Fall Festival."

Visit Moorestown Pride's website to learn more.