06 Jun Second Annual Tri-Lakes Pride Event Set For June 25
The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting a LGBTQI+ Pride event at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on June 25 from 12 to 4 p.m.
The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and neighboring communities, along with their families, friends, supportive organizations, businesses and other allies.
According to Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, the event is set to become bigger and better each year. “At the end of last year’s Pride event I said: ‘See you next year,’ and I truly meant that. We are so pleased with last year’s success,” she said. “The event, the community’s involvement, local business support, the spontaneity of certain aspects of last year’s event – it was wonderful – everyone had so much fun. Our lively, creative community really provides a beautiful backdrop.”
According to organizers, a highlight of this year’s Pride event will be a 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. The day will also feature a fashion show, presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center in collaboration with Main St. Exchange consignment store. Speakers, exhibits, music, vendors and performers will be on-hand throughout the afternoon. The event is also expected to welcome many of the region’s elected officials.
“The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, I really can’t stress that enough,” commented Metzgar. “Sometimes being different helps us make a real difference, because we want everyone in attendance to feel safe and welcome. While we do celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and its allies, even more importantly, we celebrate diversity and that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone.”
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 over the next couple weeks. “We have plenty of space for exhibitors remaining; and as I mentioned, we welcome all,” commented Metzger. “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 at: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com.
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with a number of local businesses to host mixer events leading up to Pride Day. Roamers recently hosted a Pride mixer on May 26; and Belvedere Restaurant is also hosting an upcoming Pride mixer on June 27. Other locations and dates will be announced as dates are finalized.
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 the Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh which takes place in October, during LGBTQI+ history month; and on the Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.
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Jane Hooper, communications manager
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
518-621-3662
jane@roostadk.com
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