Fourth annual Tri-Lakes Pride event set for June 29

04 Jun Fourth annual Tri-Lakes Pride event set for June 29

The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting its fourth annual LGBTQI+ Pride event on Sunday, June 29 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. in Saranac Lake. The event features a celebration through downtown, ending at Riverside Park where exhibitors and entertainment will celebrate the region’s rich diversity.

The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and neighboring communities throughout the region, along with their families, friends, local elected officials, supportive organizations, businesses, and other allies.

The event features a fashion show presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center, speakers, exhibits, music, and performers from Soma Beats and Pendragon Theatre. Representatives from the Tri-Lakes Animal Shelter will also be on-hand, presenting a number of pets available for adoption. 

According to Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, the event has become incredibly popular. “Last year, we welcomed so many participants – the number of vendors and exhibitors was overwhelming. We are working to improve the event each year,” she said. “The event, the community’s involvement, local business support, the spontaneity that always seems to occur – it just contributes to the fun. Our lively, creative, decidedly different community really provides a beautiful backdrop.”

According to organizers, one of the most popular elements of the celebration is the parade, leading attendees through downtown Saranac Lake to Riverside Park. The parade begins at 12 p.m. near the Saranac Lake Post Office, traveling along Broadway and Main Street toward the park; it features local favorites The Canoodelers and Lawn Chair Ladies. 

Metzgar also explained that the day will be filled with fun and laughter, led by some of the area’s most popular entertainers. Local caricature artist Joe Ferris Art will be on-hand to capture attendees’ exaggerated, comical likeness, and Belly Buttons the Clown is sure to make the attendees smile. Mhisty Knights and her drag troupe will provide their unique blend of theatrics and humor to delight the crowd, performing on the main stage. 

“The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, so we genuinely hope that everyone comes out to celebrate with us,” commented Metzgar. “We celebrate diversity and, by definition, that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone. The more, the merrier.”

The event has attracted a number of sponsorships from local businesses and a diverse slate of organizations that provide various resources, information, and support for local community members. Event organizers are hoping to add more businesses and sponsors. “We have plenty of space and we welcome all,” commented Metzgar. “Please reach out if your organization is interested in taking part.”

The all-volunteer event organizers are encouraging others to become involved, as a great deal of work still needs to be done. Those interested in volunteering should visit the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Facebook page for additional information about the Pride event, including sponsorship or volunteer opportunities: facebook.com/adkncga or email: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com.

Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with Bitters and Bones, located at 65 Broadway in Saranac Lake, to host a LGBTQI+ mixer event on Tuesday, June 24 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 28, the Belvedere Restaurant in Saranac Lake will host its now-famous Drag Brunch. Tickets for this event can be obtained here. 

The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2016 to provide resources, education, information, and organize events on behalf of, and to support, the LGBTQI+ community in Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties. Each year, the organization hosts a number of local events including Adirondack Winter Pride and Transgender Day of Visibility in March, Small Town Pride – ANCGA Malone in early June, Tri-Lakes Pride on the last Sunday of June, Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh taking place each fall during LGBTQI+ history month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.