Early last month, during what should have been the kickoff for the 2020 edition of Pridefest, the board members of New Hope Celebrates, the nonprofit that stages the annual weekend-long event, climbed to the top of the Delaware House in New Hope, stepped out onto the third-floor balcony, and unfurled a 25-foot pride flag, just as they would have under normal circumstances.
The difference was, outside of the lack of onlookers and the masks donned by the board members, a special banner was then draped over the flag. It read:
Rainbows Bring New Hope
After the storm clouds have passed. The sun appears with rainbows of New Hope, and a time to celebrate once again. So, for now, we stand firmly united from a distance, marching through adversity, fighting through the storm, never silent, and always proud.
Pridefest was postponed as a result of the shelter-at-home COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions that were imposed in Pennsylvania in mid-March and remained in effect through May. The flag, which remained in place for two weeks, was not meant to serve as a remembrance of Pridefest, New Hope Celebrates said in a statement posted on its website, but rather as a grateful gesture intended for “our heroes on the front line who provide inspiration, hope, and pride to all who drive by.
“We would like to give thanks to our heroes on the front line who give us hope, make us proud, and keep us strong,” the statement continues. “We would also like to recognize the Borough of New Hope and our emergency management coordinator, Michael Cummings. We salute all our essential workers for their support and for keeping us safe.”
The Pride Parade and Pride Fair have been tentatively rescheduled for October 10. The parade will begin at 11:30 AM in Lambertville and then wind its way across the bridge into New Hope. For the best viewing spots, go here. The Pride Fair, a smorgasbord of food and craft vendors and live entertainment, will follow the conclusion of the parade in the American Legion parking lot at the south end of Main Street in New Hope.
