New Hope Celebrates announced that the 21st annual LGBTQ+ Pride Festival is taking place May 11-19 in New Hope and Lambertville, New Jersey. This year’s PrideFest theme is “Hear Us Roar,” emphasizing the need to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and elevate queer art. At the event, there will be the formal introduction of the new Miss NHC, Queen Diva Divine Monroe, and Mr. NHC, Sir Harold Angels.
“I am very excited for PrideFest and our theme of 2024, Hear Us Roar,” said Melissa Patterson, president of NHC. “We want to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals to speak up and speak out, as it is important now more than ever for our voices to be heard. This year is crucial for our community and allies to ensure that we are communicating LGBTQ+ issues, protecting our fundamental right to live our lives authentically and advocating equality for all. We are proud to announce our new Miss and Mr. NHC, who will represent our organization over the next year and help us spread this vital message.”
PrideFest is NHC’s month-long LGBTQ+ Pride event, drawing in over 15,000 attendees each year. The Best Cocktail Contest, for those 21-plus, features creative drinks made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, event sponsors, at participating establishments where patrons can cast a vote for their favorite cocktail all month long.
The Flag Unfurling of the 25’x25’ Progress Flag over the Starbucks building at 4A E. Bridge St. in New Hope occurs on May 11, at 11:30 a.m. and a reception will be held immediately following at Martine’s Riverhouse.
The Pride Parade, starting in New Jersey and proceeding across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, with over 1,500 participants from local businesses, nonprofits, national marching bands, floats and NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag, donated by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality, takes place May 18, at 11 a.m.
After, the Pride Fair takes place in Pride Park at the corner of New St. and S. Main St., highlighting local LGBTQ+ artists, food vendors, nonprofits, professional services and retailers. Within the Pride Fair, PrideFest Live, an outdoor concert with live entertainment, runs from noon to 5 p.m.
There will be additional social gatherings, such as a movie screening, community program, Drag Bingo Night at HollyHedge Estate, Love is Love Gala sponsored by River House at Odette’s, parties, tea dances and more throughout the month. Visit newhopecelebrates.com/events-calendar for more information.
Applications are open for Pride Parade participants, Pride Fair vendors, partner opportunities, individual contributors and event volunteers. Email info@newhopecelebrates.com for more information.
