Saratoga Pride’s fifth annual pride month festival was its biggest yet! Over a dozen local churches, non-profits, arts organizations and area businesses, joined over 200 local LGBTQ community members, allies, friends and family at High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs, in celebration of our diverse and welcoming community.

Live music was provided throughout the event by The Rich Clements Band.

Host and MC, Cindy Swadba welcomed the group and we had a visit from Saratoga Springs Mayor, Meg Kelly, who said she wanted to see Saratoga have its own Pride Parade in the future. A representative from Governor Cuomo’s Office read a proclamation from the Governor, and NY State Assembly member Carrie Woerner was also represented. In a reflective moment, Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson Board Chair, Joyce Elliott and Moms Demand Action’s Tricia Pleu helped us to remember the victims of Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub shootings two years ago. Reverend Joe Cleveland presented Saratoga Pride with a special gift on behalf of members of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Saratoga Springs, and there was a surprise performance of “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story by Andy Pappas of Opera Saratoga!

Check out dozens more Pride Festival photos provided courtesy of Susan Blackburn, Blackburn Portrait Design.

After the Festival community members strolled down Broadway, stopping at Northshire Bookstore to admire its Pride Window displays and on to celebrate at Bailey’s and Ben & Jerry’s. A number of Pride members attended a special Pride Night event at the Orchard Project, featuring playwright and entertainer Charles Busch.

Other Pride Month Activities included a packed Open Mic Night at Caffe Lena, and a Garden and Ghost Tour at Yaddo which drew over 40 people!