All are invited to the Old Forge Library on Friday, June 7 starting at 5 pm for the second local Community Pride Celebration.

The festive and family friendly party is one of many being held across the country during June to celebrate Pride Month. Many orginizations use the month to raise awareness about the current state of LGBTQIA human rights and to work to protect and advocate for those rights.

A fun picnic and party, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The festivities kick off with live music by Gwen & Jim Tracy to be followed be special guest DJ, Jerry Dee and his Deeplex mobile sound system. Dancing is predicted to break out and the library will supply crafts materials for party-goers to make and decorate hats, shirts and word-bead bracelets.

Fifteen vendors and local regional agencies have already signed up to have tables and booths including MVHS, Fidelis, Herkimer County Office for the Aging, Catholic Charities, and local crafters and artisans will be on site selling their wares. The Library’s Neighbors at Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church will be there to hand out hugs, high fives and elbow bumps.

The celebration is free, open to all and will be held outside on the library lawn.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties generously supported the 2023 celebration, and the feedback that generated demonstrated the need for a dedicated effort to present more local opportunities to celebrate Pride.

Library director, Linda Weal said, “Our community has always welcomed a variety of visitors from around the world, and is famous for hospitality. It’s exciting to be hosting this party here and to once again demonstrate what a welcoming community looks like…and to dance.”