Submitted by Sierra Lopez.
(Middletown, CT)– The City of Middletown, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, Wesleyan University and the Russell Library are proud to announce that Middletown Pride 2021 will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021!
The event will once again be a demonstration and celebration of the history, lives and contributions of Middletown’s LGBTQIA residents.
Middletown Pride will consist of a parade down Main Street, followed by a festival on the South Green and its surrounding areas. The parade will begin at 2:00 p.m., the festival will kick-off immediately after its conclusion and will run until 8:00 p.m. The festival will once again feature live entertainment, delicious food, a wide variety of vendors, information booths, and lots of family friendly fun.
This year, Middletown Pride decided to move its event to earlier in the month of June out of respect for Juneteenth, which falls on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Middletown Pride will return to the third Saturday in June starting in 2022. Interested parties are asked to the save the dates of Saturday, June 18, 2022 and Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim noted, “After just one year, Middletown Pride has become a signature event for our city, and I could not be more excited for next year’s celebration of our inclusive, open, and affirming community. I am grateful to everyone who made this day such a tremendous success in 2019 and look forward to an even bigger, better, and prouder Pride in 2021.”
Chamber President Larry McHugh noted, “The day of the inaugural Middletown Pride event held in June of 2019 was a fabulous day in Middletown. The event had a strong economic impact, but more importantly, Middletown Pride showed the world that Middletown is a vibrant and inclusive community, a community that we are proud to be a part of. We look forward to expanding its impact in 2021, and thank the City of Middletown, Wesleyan University and Russell Library for their collaboration and support.”
Wesleyan University President Michael Roth noted, “Wesleyan is honored to partner with the City, the Chamber, and Russell Library on this important event. The energy and enthusiasm on display at the Inaugural Pride event was an inspiration, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow.”
Russell Library Director Ramona Burkey noted, “The purpose of the public library is to strengthen our community; one way we do that is by bringing together people with diverse lived experiences. We look forward to building on the amazing energy, enthusiasm and love that has been generated by Middletown Pride thus far, and continuing the tradition of showcasing Middletown as a thriving, kind and welcoming place.”
Individuals interested in marching in the parade, participating in the festival as a vendor, or applying to perform at the event can visit www.middletowpride.org. Sponsorship information is also available on the website. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Haley Stafford at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce at 860-347-6924 or Info@MiddletownPride.org.
