13 Jun First Annual Tri-Lakes Pride Event Set For June 26
The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is hosting a LGBTQI+ Pride event at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake on June 26 from 12 to 4 p.m.
The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQI+ community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and neighboring communities, along with their families, friends, supportive organizations, businesses and other allies.
“The LGBTQI+ community is incredibly inclusive, I really can’t stress that enough,” commented Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance. “Therefore, we are hoping that absolutely everyone feels welcome at this event. While we do celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and its allies, even more importantly, we celebrate diversity and that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone.”
According to organizers, the event features exhibits, vendors, raffles, and music throughout the afternoon, along with a fashion show presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center in collaboration with Main St. Exchange consignment store, and a drag show organized by Mhisty Knights, a popular regional performer.
Owen Gilbo, diversity and inclusion specialist with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management, New York State Department of Civil Service, is expected to speak at the event, along with Harrietstown Supervisor Jordanna Mallach and other Tri-Lakes community leaders.
“We are really excited about this event and are hoping that it becomes bigger and better each year,” said Metzger. “We have organized a similar, very popular event in Plattsburgh for a number of years and are hoping to bring that same sense of community, fun and event success to the Saranac Lake region. This lively, creative community provides a wonderful backdrop for this event.”
The event has attracted a number of sponsorships from local businesses and a diverse slate of organizations that provide various resources, information and support for local community members. Event organizers are hoping to add more businesses and sponsors over the next couple weeks.
Visit the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Facebook page for additional information about the Pride event, including sponsorship or volunteer opportunities: facebook.com/adkncga or email at: ancga_prideparade@outlook.com.
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with Romano’s Saranac Lanes to offer a Pride bowling event on Saturday, June 25 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2016 to provide resources, education, information and organize events on behalf of, and to support, the LGBTQI+ community in Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties. Each year, the organization hosts a number of local events including the Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh which takes place in October, during LGBTQI+ history month; and on the Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.
Media Contact:
Kelly Metzger, executive director
Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance
518-637-7253
ancga@outlook.com
Jane Hooper, communications manager
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
518-621-3662
jane@roostadk.com
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