New Hope celebrates the gays
New Hope Celebrates Pride kicked off today and promises a week of fun, diversity, inspiration and community.
Among the week’s many events will be the Pride parade, sponsored by Wells Fargo, which will toot, amble and strut its way through the streets of this Bucks County, Pennsylvania hamlet on Saturday, May 14 starting at noon.
New York City’s Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band will mark their fourth consecutive appearance at New Hope Pride. “We are always thrilled to start our season off in beautiful New Hope,” said Leslie Becker, events coordinator for the group.
Other musicians include Philadelphia Freedom Band, local high school performers and The Mummers All-Stars, from Montgomery County, Pa. Nationally known comedian Miss Richfield, who will perform on Sunday, May 15 at the Raven nightclub and hotel, will ride a scooter in the parade alongside the New Jersey Eagles Motorcycle Club.
America’s Got Talent finalists the D.C. Cowboys will wave from antique cars provided by the Lambda Car Club and will perform during a post-parade block party.
The Block Party runs from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be hosted by entertainer Miss Victoria Lace and features performances that include singer/songwriters Laura Cheadle, Chad D., Christine Martucci, and Kylie Edmond. “The Block Party gives area talents a chance to entertain in front of their home audience,” commented Wohl. “Many nationally known performers have begun their careers in our local venues like John and Peters and Havana. Now they are big stars like Ween and Pink ”
Pre-parade speakers will begin at 11:30 a.m. and include Jennie Murphy, wife of former U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, a leader of the recent repeal legislation of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell;” Mark Segal, gay activist and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News; and Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pa. The parade’s MC duo will be New Hope Mayor Larry Keller and New York City drag star Victoria Lace.
More information on New Hope Celebrates Pride is available at www.newhopecelebrates.com and resources for planning a trip to New Hope is available from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; New Hope is located an approximately 40 miles north of Philadelphia.
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