LGBT Festival Wins Award

Jennifer Wohl, parade chairman; Gordon Pulaski, art director; Elissa Garofalo, D & L president; Sharon Fronabarger and Ryan Fuller, NHC Board members, Daniel Brooks, founder and president; Donna Boone, Landmark Towns of Bucks County (photo by Louis Licitra)

When New Hope Celebrates (NHC) takes over the gay-friendly arts community in Bucks County each summer and throughout the year, Main Street is turned into a veritable gay mecca. The all-volunteer lesbian and gay marketing organization behind the annual pride events in Bucks County took home an award last week for “Outstanding Multi-Day Special Event.” Donna Boone, director of Landmark Towns of Bucks County, presented the award at a special event.

“We are really honored to be the first gay organization ever in Bucks County to receive this award,” says Daniel Brooks, NHC founder and president.

Now in it’s ninth year, NHC presents events year round that attract LGBT people to Bucks County from the tri-state area. Its cornerstone event – New Hope Celebrates Pride – is being held May 13 – 20 this year – and already has a few new activities scheduled, including the annual parade with this year’s theme “Celebrate Drama – Theater on Parade” (May 19) in honor of the Bucks County Playhouse reopening on July 2.

This year’s pride events also include a movie night sponsored by New Hope-Solebury High School’s gay-straight alliance club, a New Hope Clue scavenger hunt, a giant block party and vendor fair, bingo, parties and dances in New Hope’s many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. Famous lesbian comedian Kate Clinton will also perform this year (May 18) during “All Fracked Up.” And another funny gay gal, Poppy Champlin, takes the stage and will be at Havana during the Ladies 2000 dance party.

For a full list of New Hope Celebrates Pride events, click here.