The New Hope Celebrates Pride Pageant is making a return this year. Drag queens and, for the first time, drag kings will compete for the coveted title of Ms. and Mr. New Hope Celebrates. The pageant takes place on Saturday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at Bucks County Playhouse. All proceeds support 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 NHC president Melissa Patterson. “I’m also thrilled that we are including drag kings in our representation this year. It will be an amazing show.”
NHC invites all queens and kings to compete in the ultimate drag tournament for the coveted title of Ms. and 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 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 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, New Jersey. To see all contestant requirements and apply, click here.
The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Marti Cummings, a NYC drag artist, television personality and political figure. They 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. All 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 online here.
As always, this event will take place in honor of the late Ricky Crosby, who played a pivotal role in bringing LGBTQ+ pageantry to the community of New Hope.
