Photo courtesy of Jessica Frederick
Jamestown, NY — Organizers of Jamestown’s annual Pride Festival are preparing for their largest event yet, with expanded programming, additional vendors and a larger downtown footprint.
Now in its seventh year, the festival will return to downtown Jamestown for the fifth consecutive year. Organizers say community support has helped the event continue to grow, with 82 vendors expected to participate this year.
In addition to vendors, the festival will feature more than a dozen events hosted by Jamestown Pride and partnering organizations throughout the community.
“This year we have over 16 events hosted by either Jamestown Pride or in partnership with other community organizations and businesses,” said Karen Hewes Sueer, Jamestown Pride board secretary and event organizer. “We will also be featuring over 30 different performers who will be at various locations throughout the event. It’s going to be a wonderful time, with so many people supporting and representing the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Festival organizers say safety remains a priority and that security measures will be in place with support from the Jamestown Police Department and designated Pride Marshalls, to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for attendees.
The event’s growth has also led to a larger festival footprint downtown.
“The festival this year is getting bigger and bigger. Three years ago we have one city block, last year we went to two and this year it will be three city blocks,” said Karl Costello, Jamestown Pride board member and vendor coordinator. “It’s been a tremendous outreach from the community, local businesses, and government organizations; basically the whole community of Jamestown at it’s best.”
Festival activities will be centered around the Winter Garden Plaza and along Main Street, where many of the vendors and attractions will be located.
Additional information and a complete schedule of events are available on the Jamestown Pride’s website, here.