Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Warren County Pride Day is coming back, with this year’s event promising to be even bigger and better.
Betts Park will play host on Saturday (June 26) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with plenty of fun games, food and speakers, highlighted by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is scheduled to give a keynote address at 1:30 p.m.
Among other speakers will be Dr. Tyler Titus, State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, Pastor Julia DiFiore and Jamestown Community College professor Dr. Greg Rabb
“It’s a family event, so we’re going to have a lot,” said event organizer Jill Sumner. “Water balloon fights, sidewalk chalk, face painting, and so much more. I’m really excited.
Gov. Tom Wolf recently declared June 26 Warren County Pride Day.
The event, which is free to attend, is open to the LGBTQIA+ community and supporters.
“We’ve been planning this since the beginning of March, and it’s been a team effort,” Sumner said.
There will be a number of different vendors there as well.
“We wanted to make it open for everybody,” Sumner said. “There are going to 15-16 vendors, as well as information tables. Some of the churches, including Trinity Episcopal and First Lutheran, really stepped up, and Allegheny Outfitters stepped up and sponsored a tent for us.”
The event is also a personal one for Sumner, whose sister is transgender.
One particular group Sumner is excited to have in attendance is the Pennsylvania Youth Congress.
“They’re very influential and just a fantastic group of people,” noted Sumner. “Jason Landau Goodman, their president is coming. That’s huge that a little place like ours is getting recognized. There are 15 pride events on Saturday, and they’re making a point to come here. We’re definitely doing something right.”
Sumner also wanted to recognize Taylor’s Treats, which will be there with their ice cream truck, as well as Apthorp’s Concessions.
A full list of events, vendors, schedule for the day, and more can be found here.
“We did the little event in the park last year (General Joseph Warren Park), and a bunch of people started talking and thought this year, let’s try this,” Sumner said. “We weren’t even sure we were going to get to do it (because of COVID). I’ve been surprised at how many people want to help and the number of people asking about accommodations because they want to stay overnight. Hopefully, they will see what a great place Warren County is and want to come back.”
