Town Traditions: New Hope Looks With Pride To May Celebration

NEW HOPE, PA — When it comes to tradition, there is one event in New Hope that everyone looks to with pride.

In a tradition going back 20 years, the riverfront communities of New Hope and Lambertville will come together in May to celebrate PrideFest with a month-long celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.

At the center of the celebration organized by New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a 25-foot-by-25-foot pride flag unfurled on Saturday from the rooftop of the Starbucks as a visible symbol of acceptance and celebration.

That’s huge these days especially with gay, lesbian and trans rights under fire across the nation, said organizers.

“I am so proud that what started as a one-day affair for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, has turned into a month of celebratory, diverse, and inclusive events that offer something for everyone,” said NHC founder Daniel Brooks. “Our journey carries on thanks to generations of community members who populate the NHC Board, each committed to the promotion of our unique area. Bravo to all former and present NHC Board members, volunteers, and the public who turn out every year for our Pride.”

PrideFest is expected to draw more than 15,000 people this year beginning with the Flag Unfurling which took place on Saturday.

The celebration continues with a Pride Parade on May 20 stepping off at 11 a.m. and marching from New Jersey across the Delaware River to Pennsylvania with more than 1,300 participants from local businesses, nonprofits, national marching bands, and floats, plus NHC’s 100 foot Rainbow Equality Flag.

Immediately after the parade, a Pride Fair takes place in Pride Park at the corner of New St. and South Main St. featuring local LGBTQ+ artists, food vendors, nonprofits, professional services, and retailers.

PrideFest Live, an outdoor concert with live entertainment, will run from 12 to 5 p.m.

And don’t miss the Best Cocktail Contest, which invites guests ages 21+ to try signature drinks made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Corralejo Tequila at participating establishments and cast a vote for their favorite cocktail all month.

Additional artistic events, educational activities, parties, and more are scheduled throughout the month. Check www.newhopecelebrates.com/even... for more information.

“With the increase in attacks against the LGBTQ+ community in our schools and our legislature, it is ever so important for us to continue to ‘Find Our Pride,’ show up and represent,” said Melissa Patterson, president of New Hope Celebrates. “As NHC celebrates its 20th year of existence, we hope that everyone will come OUT and flood the streets with PRIDE to showcase just how unique and amazing our towns are in their diversity and inclusiveness for all.”

Founded two decades ago in 2003, NHC is a non-profit organization on a mission of bringing people together to share in a celebration of inclusivity, creativity, diversity, and sustainability in New Hope and Lambertville. NHC’s team of volunteers has grown Pride from a one-day event to a month long PrideFest. In 2005, they created OUT in October to honor National Gay History Month featuring the High Heel Drag Race and other fall events. Their programs, such as the Artist & Author Series, book clubs, tea dances, heritage months, and many other events throughout the calendar year contribute to their vision of a society free from prejudice, discrimination and hate.

“We are fortunate to live and celebrate in a community that accepts and embraces diversity. While we celebrate we must also remember to thank those who paved the way for us as well as pay it forward and continue to drive for equality and inclusiveness across the LGBTQ+ community. Please join us as we celebrate our twenty-year anniversary and come FIND YOUR PRIDE in New Hope,” said Sharon Fronabarger, former President and current Advisor to the Board.

Partners and Volunteers

● Partner Opportunities - Your participation at any level matters. In exchange for your financial support, receive promotional consideration and exposure to NHC’s loyal LGBTQ+ consumers. All contributions are tax-deductible.

● Individual Contributors - Champions of Pride are a select few who generously choose to support NHC’s mission, vision, and values through donations. There are four levels of membership, which all include unique benefits. Your donation to NHC could be matched dollar for dollar by your employer!

● Event Volunteers - The NHC Board has specific committees to oversee every PrideFest event, each chaired by a Board Member with assistance from volunteers in the community. If you wish to work at any PrideFest events, email volunteers@newhopecelebrates.com. Questions? Email info@newhopecelebrates.com.