PrideFest Theme, Event Schedule Announced By New Hope Celebrates

NEW HOPE, PA — PrideFest returns to New Hope from May 16 to 18 with the theme, "Together We Rise! Defying Fear, Embracing Hope."

This year's theme, said New Hope Celebrates, will serve as a "rallying cry in a world where progress is not guaranteed, but fiercely fought for."

“With threats to LGBTQ+ rights looming, PrideFest 2025 will remind us all that unity is stronger than fear. We defy fear, standing against discrimination and oppression, and we embrace hope, continuing to build a future of love, acceptance, and equality," said Melissa Patterson, president of NHC. "This year, we rise together — stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever to celebrate love in all its forms.”

As a prelude to this year's PrideFest, New Hope Celebrates introduced the winners of the 5th Annual Pride Pageant held in March at the Bucks County Playhouse. Crowned King and Queen were Ricky Suave and Asia Leigh Monroe. Read more about the pageant below.

Asia Leigh Monroe is crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2025. (Emily Briggs of E Briggs Photo)

Mr. New Hope Celebrates 2025 is crowned King. (Emily Briggs of E Briggs Photo)

PrideFest 2025 will feature an exciting schedule of events, including:

• Best Cocktail Contest: May 2 to 18. Adults ages 21 and over can sip and vote for the best cocktail in town, made with Tito's Handmade Vodka and Corralejo Tequila, NHC’s 21+ event sponsors, at participating local establishments.
• Flag Unfurling Ceremony: As part of the official Pride celebrations, on May 10 at 11:30 a.m. the 25 foot by 15 foot Progress Flag will be unfurled over the Starbucks building at 4A E. Bridge St. in New Hope, followed by a reception at Martine’s RiverHouse. Later in the day, the Pride Opening Tea will take place at The Cub Room at 4 p.m.
• Pride Parade: The highlight of PrideFest, the parade will take place on May 17 at 11 a.m. Stepping off in Lambertville, N.J., the parade will cross the Delaware River into New Hope featuring more than 1,500 participants, including local businesses, nonprofits, national marching bands, colorful floats, and NHC’s 100-foot Rainbow Equality Flag, generously donated by the Logan Inn and Landmark Hospitality.
• Pride Fair & PrideFest Live: After the parade, the festivities continue at Pride Park, located at the corner of New Street and South Main Street. The fair, running from 12 to 5 p.m., will showcase LGBTQ+ artists, food vendors, nonprofits, and retailers. PrideFest Live will bring high-energy entertainment to the fair, featuring a dynamic lineup of local and national performers, musicians, and DJs.
• Additional Events: Many other Pride events will be taking place throughout May in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. For details, visit the official NHC events calendar at www.newhopecelebrates.com/events-calendar. Ticketed events include Pride Bingo on May 14 at Holly Hedge Estate; the Love Is Love Gala on May 15 at River House at Odette’s; the Friday Night PrideFest Weekend Kickoff on May 16 at The Barn at Bucks County Playhouse; as well as the Saturday Night Pride Dance Party on May 17 and Sunday Pride Closing Tea Dance & Pool Party on May 18, both at New Hope Inn & Suites.

NHC is calling on all supporters, businesses, and organizations to join the celebration as:

• Parade Participants: The parade is open to all individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to participate. Registration is due by April 27.
• Pride Fair Vendors: Showcase your crafts, clothing, concessions, or services at the fair. Vendor applications are due by April 15.
• Annual Partners: Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by becoming a sponsor, with exposure to NHC’s loyal audience. Participation at any level matters and all contributions are tax-deductible.
• Individual Contributors: Support NHC’s mission as a Champion of Pride, with multiple tiers of giving available. Your donation to NHC could be matched dollar-for-dollar by your employer.
• Event Volunteers: Help make PrideFest a success by volunteering. If you wish to work at any PrideFest events, email volunteers@newhopecelebrates.com.

Love Comes In All Colors At Pride Pageant

The 5th Annual Pride Pageant: ‘Love Comes In All Colors’, hosted by Marti G. Cummings, was held on March 29 at the Bucks County Playhouse. After competing in categories including presentation, talent, formal wear, and an onstage Q&A, the newly-crowned Miss NHC 2025 and Mr. NHC 2025 are beginning their year-long reign representing NHC at events, starting with PrideFest. Diva Divine Monroe and Sir Harold Angels - Miss & Mr. NHC 2024 - have officially passed the titles to their Queen and King successors.

Miss New Hope Celebrates 2025 is Asia Leigh Monroe. Residing in Philadelphia, Asia Monroe has captivated audiences across the country with her dynamic drag performances that blend old-school
charm with a fresh, modern twist. With over half a decade of experience, they have earned numerous
titles, including Miss Bob’s & Barbara’s, Miss Crimson Moon, Miss Gay Diva Delaware, Miss Lyrics Lounge, Miss Tabu, Miss Cabaret, and Miss Gay Wilmington. A passionate dancer and performer, Asia brings joy, love, and acceptance to every stage they grace.

Beyond their incredible talent, Asia is deeply committed to creating a strong sense of family and community, particularly as a proud trans-woman paving the way for the next generation.

Their counterpart, Mr. New Hope Celebrates 2025, is Ricky Suave. Hailing from the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, Ricky Suave is a Latin drag king who brings a unique blend of both feminine and masculine energy to every performance, breaking the mold of the typical drag king. At just 24 years old, Ricky embodies the fire and spirit of a Leo, channeling the boldness of a lion in both artistry and personality.

Known for creativity, confidence, and passion, Ricky carries their Puerto Rican heritage and Latin flair wherever they go, captivating audiences with powerful presence and unwavering determination. Whether conquering the stage or rising to new challenges, Ricky Suave is a force to be reckoned with, ready to leave a lasting impression over the next year.