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Date: 9/13/2023
LONGMEADOW — The third annual Longmeadow Pride Festival will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, and Longmeadow Pride Alliance Vice President Elizabeth Morgan said the event is hitting its stride.
The Longmeadow Pride Alliance, the nonprofit that organizes the festival, has settled on a vision for the festival that is family-friendly and relaxed. Along with information and resources for the LGBTQ+ community, there will be musical entertainment, food and activities.
Attendance for the rain-or-shine event is free. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 55 craft vendors, local resources and informational booths will be set up around the Green. Morgan said many of the crafters will have Pride-themed merchandise, while the informational organizations present will be those that “help support LGBTQ+ folks or are very welcoming.”
There will be entertainment from Lady Gaga tribute artist Lady Nikki. “She does a great job, especially getting the kids involved,” Morgan said. An Agawam-based father-daughter duo, Gary & Natalie, will also perform. Between musical acts, members of the Longmeadow Select Board, state Rep. Brian Ashe and state Sen. Jake Oliviera will address the crowd.
Food from seven vendors, including Fletcher’s BBQ Shop & Steakhouse, Square Peg Pizza, Cinco De Mayo and The Thirsty Dog Longmeadow — formerly The Kitchen — will be available. For the first time, alcohol will also be available at the event. One-Way Brewing will have a beer garden set up adjacent to the event. Zach Swartz, co-owner of One-Way Brewing, has been a supporter of the Longmeadow Pride Festival since it began three years ago. IDs are required for alcohol purchases and the drinks must remain in the cordoned-off area, as alcohol is not permitted on the Town Green. Weapons and glass bottles are also prohibited on the Green.
For non-alcoholic beverages, Pour Things Coffee will also be at the event and festival goers may bring coolers with non-alcoholic drinks and food. Those searching for something sweet can find it at Batch Ice Cream, HCC’s culinary cookies and Zombie Hideout Freeze-Dried Candy.
As an outdoor event, Morgan said people are encouraged to bring sunglasses and sunscreen or an umbrella and rain jacket. While the organizers had set out chairs in front of the stage last year, Morgan said this year, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome instead, although there will be chairs available for people with mobility issues.
Pets are allowed on the Green during the festival and the Longmeadow Pride website encourages pets and their owners to dress in “fun outfits.”
Morgan encouraged people to “Come and hang out and just chill.”
For more details about the Longmeadow Pride Festival, or to volunteer for next year’s event, visit longmeadowpride.org.