PRIDE 2006 TO REPEAT ASTOUNDING SUCCESS
More than 50 people attended the community meeting at the New Paltz Town Hall on Friday, February 3rd, to discuss planning the New Paltz Pride 2006 March and Festival. Clearly, many came because they had been inspired by last year’s successful event. The meeting began with a tribute to last year’s success in the form of a musical slide show, created by Ria Slaton, highlighting last year’s event: the colorful banners, the enthusiastic marchers, the festival in Hasbrouck Park.
The meeting was co-chaired by Denise Jelley and Corinne Lesko (pictured at left),
co-founders of the New Paltz Pride event last year. They graciously
thanked the many Pride Committee members and volunteers whose
time and energy made the history-making event–organized in a
mere eight weeks – an astounding success.
Jelley explained how she and life partner Lesko had suggested the idea on a whim, as two women who had recently relocated to New Paltz and were boldly contacting longtime residents with their idea. Neither one of them, admittedly, expected the amazing results of the inaugural march and festival. But with the help of a wonderful group of community people, Pride 2005 achieved its goal: to create an empowering experience for the LGBTQ community at a time when our equal rights were again being challenged. Jelley said, “Pride is about all of us, for everyone.” This year, Pride 2006 is not beginning its plans eight weeks before the date. There are four months to plan the event, brainstorm innovations, and implement a bigger festival than what was held in Hasbrouck Park last year. Plus, a Pride Dance is being planned for Sunday night to add to the festivities! Members of the Pride subcommittees–communications, fund-raising, website development, entertainment, decorating, and general organization – each gave presentations and invited more participation.
The bottom line is, everyone is needed to pitch in to ensure that Pride 2006 is another record-breaking event.
Ginny Apuzzo, board President of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center, explained the long-range purpose of Pride 2006: “What we’re doing is making history. We made it last year and this is the beginning of another chapter.”
Last year more than 25 organizations marched and 1,000 people were in attendance, either as marchers or spectators. The Pride committee, now under the aegis of the Center committee, expects an even larger turnout on June 4th.
After the committee presentations, there was an announcement
about the New Paltz Pride 2006 t-shirt design contest. They seek
creative input from the community in order to select the official
design for Pride 2006, which can be placed on a t-shirt.
The winner would receive a gift basket of items
donated by local merchants. Complete instructions now appear on the Pride website,
www.newpaltzpride.org.
This year’s march will be held on Sunday, June 4th. The rally will begin at noon at the New Paltz Middle School on Route 299 at North Manheim and will step off at 1pm. The procession will follow the same route as last year, ending at Hasbrouck Park, adjacent to the New Paltz Village Hall. The post-march festival will continue until 5pm. Everybody, regardless of sexual or political orientation, is urged to attend to take a stand for equality and compassion for all. If you would like to play some part, big or small, in making Pride 2006 a reality, by volunteering or joining a committee, please send an e-mail stating your talents and interests to newpaltzpride@lycos.com or just do it the old-fashioned way, and call (845) 687-2284 and leave a message.
- Christine Drisgula