CAZENOVIA — Community members of all ages are invited to Lakeland Park on Saturday, June 17, for the third annual Cazenovia Pride Fest.
Aimed at empowering LGBTQ+ youth and creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and inclusion, this year’s celebration is centered around the theme of “#ChosenFamily,” highlighting the importance of building supportive connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
According to a Cazenovia Pride press release announcing the 2023 event, Pride events play a pivotal role in providing visibility, acceptance, and support to LGBTQ+ youth, which recent statistics have shown face higher rates of mental health challenges and are disproportionately affected by bullying and discrimination.
“Pride events create safe spaces where they can find solace, connect with supportive communities, and embrace their authentic selves,” the press release states. “This year’s festival aims to show LGBTQ+ youth that they are seen, valued, and surrounded by unconditional love. #ChosenFamily.”
The main event of the day is the Pride Parade March, which will step off at 11:30 a.m. Participants will gather behind the Cazenovia Public Library between 11 and 11:30 a.m. and then proceed down Albany Street to Lakeland Park, where the remainder of the festival will take place starting at noon.
Last year, despite freezing temperatures, the parade drew around 150 to 200 marchers.
According to Cazenovia Pride President Travis Barr, who will be hosting the event as “Award-Winning Comedian & Drag Superstar” Anita Buffem, the festivities will include lawn games, face painting, food trucks, local vendors, recognition of the Amy Bradstreet Ally of the Year Award winner, remarks by Reverend Anna C Gheen from the First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia and other leaders, and music by the 10-piece party band Nik and the Nice Guys.
Barr, who is coordinating the festival with Gheen, Cazenovia Pride Vice President Lori Lewis, Tammy Tanner, Meg Tobin, and Maria Henneberg, described Nik and the Nice Guys as a perfect fit for the festival. He explained that the band’s diverse musical repertoire appeals to a wide range of musical tastes, and its positive and fun energy aligns perfectly with Cazenovia Pride’s mission of bringing people of all backgrounds together and creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
“Their high-energy music and charismatic stage presence naturally inspire people to let loose, dance, and connect with one another, which breaks down barriers, creating a sense of unity among our diverse audience,” said Barr, who is planning to perform a number or two with the band. “The biggest takeaway with this is the number of donations given from our community that made it possible to book a band of this size along with professional sound and tech. It is a symbol of our local community’s understanding of the importance of pride and what that encompasses. It literally could not have happened otherwise. . . Together, we are making a resounding statement of love, acceptance, and unity that will reverberate throughout our community and beyond.”
As of May 30, nearly 100 community members had donated to the cause, according to Barr.
The event is sponsored by Community Bank, Eagle News, The Rusty Rooster 315, and H. Grey Supply Co., which is co-owned by Barr. Several other local businesses and organizations are also actively working to support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the month of June.
“These are folks that are going above and beyond hanging a pride flag and claiming allyship,” said Barr. “Joining forces with BRiDGES & the Madison Co. LGBTQ+ Network, we are taking pride celebrations to a whole new level by integrating ‘Madison County Pride’ with the fabulous Cazenovia Pride. Together, we are igniting a spark that will create inclusivity and unity. BRiDGES & the Madison Co. LGBTQ+ Network are generously supplying us with an array of fun-filled items to pass out during the parade, ensuring that everyone gets to revel in the excitement. In addition to marching in the parade, they will have a prominent presence at Lakeland Park for the festivities.”
To kick off Pride Month, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company hosted “Caz Pride Drag Bingo” and “Comedy at the Creek: Pride Edition.”
On Friday, June 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., H. Grey Supply Co. will host a special “LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Meet Up.”
“We love these much-needed get-togethers,” said Barr. “They’re an evening of connections, support, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. . . We’re also thrilled to announce our return to Madison County Distillery. Their unwavering support shines brightly as they have graciously donated their space for our ‘Family Pride Kick Off’ happening on Friday, June 16 [at 6 p.m.]. Get ready to come together with your loved ones, #ChosenFaimly, and celebrate the beauty of love and diversity in an unforgettable setting.”
In celebration of Pride, Nelson Creamery and H. Grey are offering “The H. Grey Lavender Love” ice cream at both shop locations with ten percent off at Nelson Creamery when customers make a purchase at H. Grey from June 16-18.
For more information on the 2023 Cazenovia Pride Fest, visit hgreysupplyco.com/events or the “Cazenovia Pride” Facebook page.
Donations to “Cazenovia Pride” can be made at hgreysupplyco.com to support the creation of inclusive events for everyone in the community.
