Submitted by Sierra Lopez, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.
(Middletown, CT)– The City of Middletown, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, Wesleyan University, and the Russell Library—in collaboration with the Triangle Community Center—is proud to announce that the third annual Middletown Pride celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2021!
Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives and has made getting together as a community virtually impossible. This year, Middletown Pride will endeavor to provide a safe space for the community—both in-person and virtually, to once again raise awareness of, celebrate, and empower the history, lives and contributions of Middletown’s LGBTQIA+ residents.
Middletown Pride will take place on June 5, 2021. Join us together with Cinder & Salt for our second annual Main Street Cleanup that will take place the morning of June 5. Registration space is limited so sign-up early.
Then, join Middletown Pride for our first virtual pride parade. We are especially excited to announce that Middletown Pride will be working with our media sponsor, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut! Tune in to watch Taylor Kinzler from CT Live! host a virtual afternoon of fun and a demonstration of pride from all around Middletown.
Middletown Pride will also be hosting smaller in-person events throughout the month of June, including the Middletown Pride Showcase Event on June 5 and June 6 (with a rain date of June 12 and June 13), and a movie night at the Wadsworth Mansion on June 17. Registration details to follow in the coming weeks.
Finally, stay tuned to our website for updates on other virtual and in-person events that will be scheduled throughout the month of June!
Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim noted, “In just a short time, Middletown Pride has become a signature event for our city– and I couldn’t be more, well, proud. We are a diverse community, we are a welcoming community, and we are a community that knows how to celebrate and have a good time. I am so excited for Pride to come back this year with all the energy and enthusiasm of the original parade, and to see Middletown’s year-round commitment to equity and inclusion continue to grow and thrive thanks to the efforts of our great people.”
Chamber President Larry McHugh noted, “We are very excited about the upcoming Middletown Pride celebration. Whether it is in person, virtual, or both, Middletown Pride is now a key part of this vibrant and inclusive community, a community our chamber is proud to be a part of. I thank our partners, the City of Middletown, Wesleyan University and Russell Library for their efforts of this front, and for their commitment to this important cause.”
Wesleyan University President Michael Roth stated, “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 added, “The mission of the Russell Library is to empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive. After an incredibly difficult year, events like Middletown Pride 2021 are more important than ever, so that we can all show one another the kindness, support, and empathy that everyone in our community deserves. We’ve all been through so much, but here at the Russell Library we are very much looking forward to celebrating our shared humanity in 2021.”
Individuals or groups interested in registering to participate in the downtown cleanup, the virtual pride parade, to volunteer at one of our in-person events, or sponsoring Middletown Pride, can visit www.middletownpride.org for more information and registration opportunities. All proceeds, sponsorships and donations raised for Middletown Pride goes entirely to ensure the continuity of Middletown Pride, and also goes to support our local vendors, artists and performers.
For all of our in-person events, Middletown Pride will be working in strict compliance with any and all local, state and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Middletown Pride is also working directly with the Middletown Health Department to ensure the safety of all of our guests, staff, volunteers and performers.
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. Further details will be released closer to the date of the event. We look forward to seeing you online and in-person throughout the entire month of June!
