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Arts & Entertainment

4th Annual Peekskill Family PRIDE in the Park to be Held June 29, 2024

Month-long PRIDE Celebration concludes with live entertainment and fun activities in Downtown Peekskill's newly renovated Pugsley Park

The Peekskill community celebrates PRIDE in the Park in 2023 with a full line-up of entertainers and fun activities.
The Peekskill community celebrates PRIDE in the Park in 2023 with a full line-up of entertainers and fun activities. (Photo by Bill Powers)

Following the second annual LGBTQIA+ pride flag-raising on Friday, June 7 in front of Peekskill City Hall and annual recognition of LGBTQIA+ supporters at this week's Peekskill Common Council Meeting, all attention is turning to Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 1 pm to 5 pm for the fourth annual Family PRIDE in the Park—a great way to end the month-long celebration.

The event will take place rain or shine once again in historic downtown Peekskill in the newly renovated Pugsley Park, located at 1036 Main Street. This free event offers a variety of colorful activities for everyone and all ages. This year, the headline performer is drag legend Evita Loca, a genuine Broadway star and social media sensation known for her live singing performances in NYC's nightlife scene and across the globe.

The Family Fun Zone includes activities by Macaroni KID, Abrakadoodle, and Peek-A-Boo Family Music, ensuring plenty of entertainment, games, and craft activities for children. There is also an opportunity to create a mural in partnership with local artists.

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Other performers on this sizzling summer stage will include the School of Rock band from Briarcliff Manor, captivating story time with Katarina Mirage, vocal stylings by local showgirl Alexia Tate, music by performer I.Den.t.T, and the newest Peekskill Pride board member and drag queen extraordinaire, Keke. Additionally, DJ Toney da Tiger from House of Aviance and ballroom royalty will keep the energy high and the music playing throughout the day.

Organizers encourage attendees to grab a lunch from one of the downtown's restaurants and picnic in the park.

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Leslie Masson and the Peekskill Dog Park will once again host the famous Pet Photo Contest. Bring your well-behaved pet dressed for pride or play dress-up at the booth (costumes provided) and smile for the camera. A panel of local celebrities will pick their favorite photos of the day.

Additionally, vendors, civic organizations, and sponsors will be there to provide you with health and wellness information, real estate tips, books, gifts, and many other surprises! For more information about the event, visit www.peekskillpride.org.

There is free parking in all numbered spaces in the James Street parking garage, just a block from the park, and at metered spaces on street and in surface lots.

“The Peekskill Pride Board of Directors encourages the community to come outside, socialize, enjoy fresh air, support local businesses, and connect with families and friends. We all look forward to seeing you at this fantastic event!” said Peekskill Councilmember and Peekskill Pride President Brian Fassett.

"Our primary goal at Peekskill Pride is to ensure everyone in Peekskill knows that our community embraces diversity wholeheartedly, regardless of whether they reside, work, or visit here. It's definitely something worth celebrating!" added Fassett.

About Peekskill Pride: In 2016, a group of LGBTQIA+ residents in Peekskill formed Peekskill Pride, a community-oriented social support network. It is now a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to create safe, healthy, and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages, as well as their allies and families. The organization works to promote inclusion, diversity, and pride through education, advocacy, and celebration. For more information, visit Peekskill Pride on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pridepeekskill or www.peekskillpride.org.

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