NW PA Pride Alliance reflects on a full 2023
The NW PA Pride Alliance would like to take a moment to reflect and thank all those who have helped make 2023 a success.
Most notably known for planning and hosting the Erie Pride Fest and Parade, many may be surprised to learn the Pride Alliance works throughout the year to enhance visibility, foster unity, and promote acceptance through roughly forty events and programs, creating an inclusive space for all in Northwest Pennsylvania.
The year's highlight for the NW PA Pride Alliance has always been the annual Pride Fest celebration in Perry's Square in Erie. Thousands come from around the region to participate in the festivities. Continued for 2023 was the Meadville Pride and Street Fair, which also saw growth. NW PA Pride Alliance is one of only a few Pride organizations that put on multiple Prides during the year.
Another high point of the year for the Pride Alliance was the 30th annual Pride Picnic. The Pride Picnic was held once again at the Rotary Pavilion on Presque Isle, allowing the community to gather with their chosen family.
New for this year was a Pride Prom held in May at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. The board wanted to provide a fun atmosphere for those who may not have been able to attend their own prom or who may not have been able to attend with the person they would have preferred to. For those who had a good time, the Pride Alliance is happy to announce that this will return in 2024.
The NW PA Pride Alliance has also been visible throughout the area by participating in local parades. Members have walked in the Millcreek Fourth of July parade and the Penn West Edinboro Homecoming parade for many years. They have also most recently made the Meadville Halloween Parade an annual tradition. In addition, the Pride Alliance hosts monthly Happy Hours on the first Wednesday of the month at Oasis Pub in Erie and on the fourth Wednesday of the month in Meadville, alternating between Julian's Bar and Grill and Cussawago Creek Distillery. The year would not be complete without a trip to support the local sports teams in Erie, with Pride Nights being celebrated with the Otters and Seawolves.
Teaming up with other Queer organizations, the NW PA Pride Alliance helped to give back to our larger community by helping to host some give back events throughout the year. The Boots and Coats drive, which benefited Community Shelter Services, was held in January to help provide much-needed items during Erie's cold winters. In May, the Alliance helped with the collection of nonperishable food items, which were donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA.
Another new endeavor started by the Pride Alliance in conjunction with eleven other local queer organizations was to host the first-ever Banned Book Drive held in Northwestern Pennsylvania, focusing on queer-themed books. The banned books were collected and then distributed throughout the community by use of the United Ways Small Library System. This was seen as such an asset to the Queer community that it helped inspire other collections throughout the Commonwealth.
The NW PA Pride Alliance is grateful to all of our donors and sponsors who help to improve the visibility of the Queer Community here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. We stand committed to fostering equality, respect, and diversity throughout events. We especially want to thank the following donors who helped us achieve these goals.
Our Main Stage was sponsored by Erie Insurance. Adagio Health sponsored the Health & Wellness Zone, Central Outreach Wellness Center Erie was the title Sponsor for the 30th annual Pride Picnic. We are also grateful for support from The First Energy Foundation and National Fuel Gas.
Rainbow level: Andora's Bubble, Erie County Department of Health, Giant Eagle Pride Business Resources Group, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Macy's, PNC Bank, and Wegmans.
Purple level: Erie Gay News, Whee! Studio, Yoga Spot Meadville
Blue level: Crime Victim Center of Erie County, Jones Pond Campground & RV Park, Mooney's Bakery, PennWest Edinboro Psi Chi Chapter, SafeNet Center, State Farm Insurance Agent Natalie Braddock, and Steadman Law Office.
Yellow level: Alicia Castorena and LBT Women
Orange level: Samantha Randall
NW PA Pride Alliance has many exciting announcements planned for 2024, so stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram, and NWPAPride.org to stay connected.
