Music, marching bands, drag performers and dozens of vendors will fill Carmel Hamlet on June 13 as Putnam Pride hosts its seventh annual Pride Celebration, a daylong event that organizers say continues to grow in both size and visibility across Putnam County.
The rain-or-shine event begins at 1 p.m. with a rally at the Putnam County Courthouse, followed by a march down Gleneida Avenue led by the Unicorn Brass Band. Festivities will continue at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Kent with entertainment, food, family activities and community speakers through 5 p.m.
Organizers said this year’s event will place a special spotlight on transgender and immigrant voices “to reflect on a year that has targeted both groups with violence and civil rights violations.”
Hosts Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines will lead the courthouse rally and march before attendees return for remarks from local clergy and community speakers. Guests may also head directly to the park, where vendors and music begin at 1 p.m.
A flag-raising ceremony at 2 p.m. will officially open the celebration at the park. Entertainment throughout the afternoon will feature DJ Brittany, Stephanie “Starr” Bermudez, Sasha Renee and I.Den.t.T, among others. Organizers will also bring back the popular 4 p.m. open mic session.
More than 40 local vendors are expected, along with food trucks, ice cream, face painting, a children’s tent and a new photo booth attraction. Official Putnam Pride merchandise and limited-edition upcycled shirts will also be available.
Putnam Pride organizers said the annual event has become an increasingly visible celebration of inclusion and community in the county.
“I can’t believe this is happening in my town,” one attendee said in promotional materials released by the organization. “We needed this.”
Date: Saturday, June 13
Courthouse Rally & March: 1-1:45 p.m.
Celebration at Veterans Memorial Park: 1-5 p.m.
Locations: Putnam County Courthouse, Carmel; Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, Kent
Features: Live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, kids activities, open mic and merchandise
Information: Putnampride.com
Sponsors for this year’s event include Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Northwell Health, Hudson Valley Shakespeare and Putnam County Tourism, among others. Article provided by Putnam Pride
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