City officials and community members gathered to recognize the LGBTQ+ community at the 2024 Pride Month flag raising at City Hall. This year’s flag raising will take place on June 2.
Reminder Publishing file photo
HOLYOKE — Although Pride Month is not until June, the Holyoke Pride Committee is getting ready to kick off its pride month celebrations with an event planned in April leading up to the full celebration in June.
The first event that will kick off the celebrations is the “Over the Rainbow” fundraiser on Friday, April 11 from 7-11 p.m. at De La Luz Soundstage, 114 Race St.
The event will be headlined by local sensation Richard Parris Scott and the Band and also feature performances from Avery Joi, Chestina Thrower, Natasha Ellis and Evyan Diaz.
There will be prizes at the event as well.
Tickets are available on a sliding scale, $20-$50, and Holyoke Pride Committee said to please give what you can.
Tickets are available at holyokepride.org.
Pride Month officially kicks off with a flag raising ceremony on Monday, June 2 at 5 p.m. at Holyoke City Hall, 536 Dwight St.
Other events in June feature a Buen Provecho Drag Brunch on Saturday, June 7 at 5 p.m., where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine while being dazzled by captivating drag performances that honor our rich diversity.
There will be a Youth Pride Prom on Friday, June 13. A night just for LGBTQIA+ youth to celebrate freely and joyfully.
For more info, readers can contact the House of Colors at Enlace de Families.
The next event will be a Rainbow Run on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m., where participants can hit the ground running, or walking, at Ashley Reservoir in your brightest rainbow gear.
All ages and abilities are welcome.
Holyoke Pride Committee member and lead organizer for the Rainbow Run Jeffery Anderson-Burgos shared his excitement for the events and increasing turnout over the years.
“The turnout and growth over the last few years has been empowering because it shows that we are a valued part of the Holyoke community. Our message is one of thanks for celebrating diversity with us. That simple act illustrates that we all benefit from standing with each other in solidarity, whether it’s joyous events like our Pride Month festivities or doing the tough and important work on addressing the challenges the LGBTQ+ community — and the communities that intersect with us — continue to face. Pride is not passive. Pride is power,” Anderson-Burgos said.
A Drag Story Hour event will take place on Friday, June 20. Residents are encouraged to bring the family to Holyoke Public Library to experience heartwarming stories that celebrate acceptance and diversity.
Holyoke PrideFest will take place on Saturday, June 21 from noon to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 536 Dwight St. The event will include live performances, local food vendors, art and community connections.
There will also be a Pride After Party from 5-11 p.m. to keep the celebration going at Fame Lounge, 386 Dwight St., with music, dancing and unforgettable vibes.
City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos shared his excitement. He said, “Holyoke is a city that thrives on diversity and community spirit. It’s more important than ever to celebrate our strength and connection, so come out and be a part of it! We invite everyone to join us in celebrating love, acceptance and equality.”
For the latest updates and event details, readers can visit holyokepride.org. Vendors and performers can apply on the website as well. Readers looking to donate, sponsor, or volunteer can do so on the website as well.
