As has become customary, Northampton Mayor David J. Narkewicz will read a proclamation supporting the event and affirming the importance of the gay community at the rally.
NORTHAMPTON – Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse are among the scheduled speakers at this year’s Pride March, which organizers expect to be bigger and better than ever.
The 31st Annual Pride March has made some major adjustments both in its date and location to accommodate the growing number of people who travel from throughout New England for the event. This year, for the first time, the march will take place on the second Saturday on May instead of on the first Saturday. Nonetheless, it retains its status as the first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride march in the U.S. during the calendar year.
In an even bigger change, the parade will reverse its route, starting at Hampton Ave. at noon and proceeding to the Three County Fairground. In the past, parade-goers gathered on Bridge Street and marched downtown, where the rest of the event unfolded.
J.M. Sorrell, a spokesperson for Noho Pride, which is putting on the event, said the post-march rally outgrew the downtown parking lot, necessitating a bigger venue. In addition to offering protection from the elements, the Three County Fair will have perks such as a beer and wine barn.
Warren, the Democratic nominee for U.S. senator, is already the preferred
candidate in much of the gay community, according to Sorrell.
“I imagine she’s going to be supportive of our event,” she said, when asked about the content of Warren’s speech.
Morse, 23, became one of the youngest mayors in the country when he was elected to city hall in Holyoke last year. After coming out as gay in high school, he helped organize the Holyoke Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Task Force, which in turn created the Western Massachusetts Youth Pride Prom. The event annually draws hundreds of gay youth who would otherwise find little or no acceptance at their own high school proms.
As has become customary, Northampton Mayor David J. Narkewicz will read a proclamation supporting the event and affirming the importance of the gay community at the rally.
Entertainment will range from the Pioneer Valley Gay Men’s Chorus, an old standby, to comedian Jami Smith, to the band Sister Funk. Nationally acclaimed poet Alix Olson will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Last year’s Pride March drew more than 15,000 people, according to Sorrell. She expects as many as 20,000 on Saturday. The parade is scheduled to begin at noon and the fairground activities to last until 5 p.m. For a more detailed list of events and other information, visit www.site.nohopride.org.