The bustling, artsy Bucks County town of New Hope (along with its cross-the-Delaware-River neighbor, Lambertville, New Jersey) celebrate Gay Pride Weekend each year in mid-May (May 15 through May 17 in 2009). The festivities take place over three days and come on the heels of the New Hope Celebrates GLBT Film Festival, which is held in late April (April 25 to 26 in 2009). For such a tiny (although extremely gay-friendly and quite inviting) town, Gay Pride (which is in its sixth year) is one action-packed event, with concerts, parties, bike tours, cabaret, and plenty more going on. For the best value, purchase tickets online - the "big ticket" entitles you admission to all the key Pride parties. Here's a look at some of the activities that make up New Hope Gay Pride in 2009 (for details on times and locations, see the New Hope Celebrates Events page online):
Several events occur throughout the week leading up to Pride Weekend, including
Flower Power Bingo, on Tuesday, May 12, held at the Eagle Volunteer Fire Co. (46 N. Sugan Rd.). On Wednesday, May 13, there's a Bridge Professional Networking Event held at Havana's, on South Main Street, one of the area's most popular and GLBT-friendly restaurants. Later that same evening, you can attend a Local Pride Party at another spot that's long been a hit with the local gay community, Karla's Restaurant and Bar, which is right downtown at 5 Mechanic Street.
The next night, on Thursday, May 14, Karla's hosts a Sponsorship Kick-Off Party, and the famed Nevermore Hotel (6426 Lower York Rd.) - a local icon in the region's gay and lesbian community - hosts the piano tunes of Donna Antonow in the Piano Bar, as well as karaoke.
Things really start to shift into higher gear on Friday, May 15, with "Pumpkin's Pride Review" and "Girls Night Out" at the hip and always lively Triumph Brewing Company, a brewpub right in downtown New Hope (there are also branches in Princeton, NJ, and Philadelphia). Over at the Nevermore Hotel on Friday night, there's Michael Ferreri performing in the Piano Bar, "Mind Gaymes" (an audience-participatory mind-reading show) held in Harlans, and a dance party from 11 pm until 2 am featuring '70s and '80s classic tunes.
On Saturday, May 16, get an early start to attend the New Hope 6th Annual Pride Parade, which runs from noon until 2 pm and take place right in the heart of downtown. This year's parade features a slew of notables, including the all-male DC Cowboys dance company (runners-up on NBC's "America's Got Talent"), the NJ Eagles Motorcycle Club, the Lesbian and Gay Big Apple Corp Marching Band, the Philadelphia All-Star Mummers Band, local PA Congressman Patrick Murphy, and numerous floats submitted by area restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
New Hope Pride is one of the most family-friendly festivals around, and on Saturday GLBT parents and their kids can partake of several activities, including participation in a We Are Family contingent in the Pride March. And from 2:30 until 4:30, families are invited to a Family Fun and Fitness Day at the New Hope High School Complex, which includes games, arts and crafts, a fitness class, and more.
The parade is followed by New Hope Celebrates Vendor Fair Poolside, held from 2 pm until 6 pm by the fabulous pool at the Nevermore Hotel, featuring a number of GLBT vendors and organizations. Free trolley shuttle service is provided between downtown and the resort. The Nevermore then has live entertainment (including Madame & Me at Harlans) as well as an "Afterglow" dance party from 11 pm until 2 am.
On Sunday, May 17, there's there's plenty more to come: New Hope Cyclery has bike rentals for you to participate in an 11 am Pride Bike Tour, and there's a kids-friendly Proud To Be Family Friends & Family T-Dance at Kehilat HaNahar synagogue from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. From 4 pm onward, you can attend the final major Pride Event, the Proud to Be NHC Farewell Tea, held at the pool by the Nevermore Hotel.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Week. Check local gay papers, such as The Philadelphia Gay News, for details. Also check out the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau for more information on the area.
