Jamestown Pride on June 11

by Sheridan Smith

The 2nd Annual Jamestown Pride Festival, presented by Evergreen Health, was a successful follow up, establishing the annual tradition of Pride festivals in Chautauqua County. Kicking off on Friday, June 10th with the Pride Slow Roll and Laced Up Ladies Burlesque at Sneakers Bar, the main festival on June 11th had grown to three blocks of events.

During the Pride Market organizations were on hand to support the queer community, and there were games and educational events, including a storytime tent with free books for kids, youth led activities, face painting, and more. The evening performance kicked off with Thee Ukaladz, a ukulele duo from the local area and their tribute to their lost member Lexi, DJ Little Italy from Buffalo, and finally the headliners Thee Suburbia with Islaya and Daphne Always. And the festival ended on Sunday with a Pride service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Thanks to Evergreen Health, presenting sponsor, Jamestown Pride has grown from last year, and the focus on the youth community was more apparent than ever. The MHA, home of Jamestown Pride, and event sponsors the Jamestown Public Market, The Chautauqua Center, HOPE Chautauqua/Prevention Works, The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Shultz Auto Group, and Purina all supported this celebration of the queer community. Through their support, we mobilized dozens of volunteers, secured equipment for future events, and made sure that this event is here to stay.

Jamestown Pride will be back in June 2023, bigger and better than ever.