Pride Pageant Returning To New Hope With Drag Queens And Kings

NEW HOPE, PA — The New Hope Celebrates Pride Pageant will make its return to New Hope this spring with a a touch of royalty.

For the first time ever, drag queens and drag kings will compete for the coveted title of Ms. & Mr. New Hope Celebrates.

The pageant takes place on Saturday, March 25 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Bucks County Playhouse on South Main Street with proceeds supporting NHC’s 2023 Pride, a celebration of NHC’s 20th Anniversary.

“I’m so excited for this event as this will be my very first pageant ever," said Melissa Patterson, president of New Hope Celebrates. "I’m also thrilled that we are including drag kings in our representation this year. It will be an amazing show!”

All queens and kings are invited to compete in the ultimate drag tournament for the coveted title of Ms. & Mr. New Hope Celebrates. Contestants will climb their way to the top of the throne as they compete in several categories, including thematic presentation, talent, formal wear and onstage Q&A.

The panel of judges includes New Hope’s very own drag performers Miss Pumpkin, Berrie Lyndon, Morgan Kennedy, and Victoria Lace, as well as Kate Stier, director of public relations and marketing for NHC Silver Partner Capital Health, who has been involved in pageantry for more than 30 years.

The winners will be featured entertainers at all key NHC events in 2023 and be compensated for their time, for a total cash value of $1,000. Contestants may come from near and far, however they must be available to be in person at all scheduled events in New Hope and Lambertville, N.J. To see all contestant requirements and apply, CLICK HERE.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies will be Marti Cummings, a New York City drag artist, television personality, and political figure. She will be joined by Miss Cyannie Lopez, Miss New Hope Celebrates 2017, Ginger Alley, Miss New Hope Celebrates 2018, Sapphira Crystal, Miss New Hope Celebrates 2019 and ‘The Ebony Enchantress’, Victoria Lace, who will perform throughout the evening.

General admission is $55 and VIP seating is $75. Tickets include a pre-show social at Playhouse Deck Restaurant & Bar at the Bucks County Playhouse that will serve light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Former Miss New Hope Celebrates Queens will be present for a meet and greet at the pre-show social.

VIP tickets include two complimentary drinks at the pre-show social - a choice of champagne, wine or draft beer. Tickets can be purchased at the Bucks County Playhouse website.

This year promises yet another incredible show and unforgettable evening full of glamor, glitter, and drag royalty.

The 2023 New Hope Celebrates Pageant, as always, will take place in honor of good friend Ricky Crosby who played a pivotal role in bringing LGBTQ+ pageantry to New Hope. "He may no longer be on this earth, but his memory, and all that he taught, us will live on," said Patterson.