Pride Fest coming to Chester County in June

PHOENIXVILLE » LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County will host its third annual Chester County Pride Weekend, with two major back- to- back events, on Saturday and Sunday, June 2- 3.

The firstweekend event is Chester County Pride Fest, a smoke- free, family- friendly event free and open to all. It is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from noon to 5 p. m., at Reeves Park in Phoenixville. There will be food trucks, 50- plus vendors, kids activities, and continuous live entertainment on stage.

Pride Fest headliner is singer Jennifer Real from Florida, in addition to Aiden James, Cheer New York, local drag performers and youth singers. Pride Fest’s emcee is Vin Chelle, whowill also perform. State Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D- 156, and Rev. Koshy Mathews will preside over the festival.

The second weekend event is Chester County Pride Gala, an awards banquet and celebration honoring the diligence and commitment of its volunteer corps. This ticketed event will be held at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern on Sunday, June 4, from 4- 9 p. m.

The Pride Gala features Jennifer Real, a lively singer to perform dance music, along with DJ Journey. Also featured at Pride Gala is keynote speaker, Salina Brett, a transgender activist known for her positive energy. Awards include Community Partner, Community Advocate, Pillar of Support, and President’s Award. The event includes a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, full course buffet dinner, raffle auction, 50/ 50 prizes, and dancing.

“We’re thrilled to host this celebration of diversity and equality for the Chester County LGBT community. Chester County Pride Fest and Pride Gala are fantastic events in their own right, but in the end, they’re for the betterment of our community,” said Julie K. Mesaros, president of LGBT Equality Alliance. “We welcome you all to come as you are.”

Last year’s Pride Weekend events drew more than 1,000 people. Chester County Pride Weekend proceeds support the social, health, and education programs of LGBT Equality Alliance, Inc, a 501( c) 3 nonprofit organization. Pride Weekend top sponsors include Xfinity, Main Line Fertility, West Chester University, Chester County Hospital Penn Medicine, and Health Partners Plans of Philadelphia.

To learnmore about Chester County Pride Weekend and to purchase Pride Gala tickets, visit: https://www.lgbteachesco.org/chestercountypride.