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For more info on PrideFest or the event schedule, see page 18 or visit www.gaynepa.com/pridefest.
This Sunday, the diversity of our area will be celebrated as tents are raised and tables are turned out at Kirby Park to kick off the third annual NEPA PrideFest. Any area native worth his salt knows that it’s not a summer festival unless there are novelty gifts to be purchased and ethnic food to be eaten, regardless of the group or affiliate doing the hosting. And, thus, one of the biggest aspects of an event like this is the vendors who sell their wares and the organizations who offer their time and support through education and advocacy.
Those looking to spend their hard-earned cash will have no shortage of opportunities, according to Bill Browne, chair of vendors and exhibits for PrideFest. There are about 30 to 40 vendors estimated to be taking part in PrideFest, and items up for grabs will range from soaps and candles to novelty gifts and pottery — not to mention lots and lots of food.
People hoping to extend their knowledge of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community will also find what they’re looking for at Kirby Park this weekend. Exhibitors will include the Red Cross, several area churches and more.
While it’s probably true that most businesses taking part in PrideFest, or really any festival or bazaar, are in it to make money and get their name out there, there is another hidden benefit to presenting at an event specifically organized for and by the LBGT community. Whether or not the businesses are openly supportive, this is a chance to show they are non-discriminating.
“I think people are pleased to see these vendors who have spent their money to be here,” Browne said.
The money raised is matched by the Rainbow Alliance to fund support agencies for aspects such as housing, legislative efforts and legal aid for the LGBT community.
One vendor who is participating for the third year in a row is Christopher Lonyo, owner of Christopher’s Novelty Gifts. Though Lonyo lives in Erie, he is happy to make the trek to NEPA.
“I get to meet a lot of people, and I get to bring a product that people enjoy,” Lonyo said. He noted that he enjoys the camaraderie that is present with the organizers and volunteers at PrideFest, a sentiment that was echoed by Browne.
Another perk to vending at the annual bash that the business owner enjoys? Exclusivity.
Browne said there will not be any repeat vendors — meaning if one person sells novelty gifts, they are the only one selling novelty gifts. This is a concept that not only gives the public access to a wider variety of goods but also allows the businesses to see higher profits.
“It’s hard on the vendors when you’re all competing, especially if someone sells the same thing at a cheaper price,” Lonyo said.
One place where exclusivity doesn’t really apply, however, is with the event’s exhibitors. This year’s fete is expected to see, potentially, anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 attendees — a staggering number compared to the 600 or so folks who showed up in 2008. And all of those people will enjoy the chance to learn more about the various LGBT support and advocacy organizations prevalent in NEPA. In fact, PrideFest is probably the biggest opportunity to do so.
“I think PrideFest is probably the main venue for getting information to the LGBT community,” said Kelly Hilsey, president of Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Wyoming/Luzerne County.
While PFLAG has more than 500 chapters in the U.S., Hilsey noted that her chapter is fairly new, and PrideFest is a chance to let members of the LGBT community and their families know that their group, built on the tenets of support, advocacy and education, is there to offer guidance.
“(We are) encouraging families to come and assuring LGBT people that they don’t have to be alone. … We just want to make sure people know we’re out there,” Hilsey said.
Much like with PFLAG, the festival will also allow members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wyoming Valley to inform those who are interested about their many assets, including certification as a “Welcoming Congregation.” Since the church does not believe in missionaries, it doesn’t recruit, and therefore events like PrideFest are the best way for it to let the public know the church exists and that it is welcoming and supportive to the LGBT community.
As with any celebration of this proportion, there will be a myriad of opportunities for the public to both educate and enjoy themselves.
Daphne Reid, owner of Happy Little Hot Dog Co. in Wilkes-Barre, was quick to point out that she is happy to take part in any community event and that being a part of PrideFest was definitely a business opportunity she couldn’t turn down.
“I don’t want to leave anybody in the community out. We are open to any sort of event. And any event, especially in Kirby Park, is going to have an upbeat (atmosphere),” Reid said.
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