After much deliberation, New Hope Celebrates announced it has decided not to go forward with the Pride Parade and Fair in 2020.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have held out hope that things would take a positive turn and that we would be able to gather later this year to celebrate Pride in New Hope,” said president Matt Hanson. “After a great deal of discussion and thoughtful consideration, it is with heavy hearts that the NHC board has decided not to go forward with the Pride Parade and Fair in 2020. We made this decision in concern for the safety of our New Hope and Lambertville community, our LGBTQI+ family, and our allies. Even with the decline of the spread of COVID-19, large scale events pose a public health risk that we do not want to bring to our community. We did not come to this decision lightly, and know that this may be disappointing for many, as it is for us as well.”
New Hope Celebrates has reached out to the vendors, partners, local bars and restaurants that were planning to be part of the festivities. They have also started a campaign to provide face masks to local businesses through celebrateourtowns.com. With their partner Penn Medicine, they are also looking into additional ways to provide continued community support.
Virtual events are being planned throughout the year to celebrate Pride.
“Our celebrations and events may have changed for 2020, but at a time that is so volatile for the world, there is always hope and there is and always will be Pride,” added Hanson.
Visit newhopecelebrates.com for more information.
