Haddonfield Welcomes LGBT Community

Downtown Haddonfield (courtesy of the town of Haddonfield)

As a first for Haddonfield, N.J., a small town just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, local merchants are opening their doors to welcome the LGBT community for a special day dedicated to diversity and pride on Tuesday, July 19 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.). Many of the merchants will be offering food and drinks with the chance for guests to enjoy some hot summer sales.

Steve Duross, owner of Duross & Langel with locations on 13th Street in Philly and now on Haddonfield’s main drag on King’s Highway, admits that the trip across the river is welcome change, saying, “Center City visitors will find it a good 10 degrees cooler, too.”

Steve Duross and James Langel and their family (courtesy of Duross & Langel)

Duross is one of several LGBT-friendly retailers who is participating in the new event. “Everyone is welcome regardless of orientation,” he says. “If you’re single and want to mingle, we’ve created the idyllic environment.”

Getting to Haddonfield is a breeze from your regular Gayborhood outpost. Just take the PATCO (there are stops on Locust Street at both 12th and 13th) for a 15-minute ride to downtown Haddonfield (it’s less than $6 round trip). Many of the retailers have recruited volunteers to guide visitors from the Haddonfield train station to the local business district on King’s Highway – it’s a quick walk.

And even though Haddonfield is a dry town, folks with age-appropriate IDs will be able to enjoy free beverages, like beer, wine and cocktails, at various stops. Local restaurants will also be dishing up complimentary food.

Just look for the rainbow balloons and flags to find out who’s participating in the first-ever gay day in Haddonfield. Here’s a handy guide to the local business community.