Pocono Pride festivities begin May 31

The newly formed Pocono Pride Coalition – an outgrowth of the Pocono Pride Festival – invites all to celebrate the start of Pride Month at the first ever Pride Fest Kickoff and Champions of Pride awards ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at Mount Airy Casino Resort.

The Champions of Pride awards ceremony will recognize the region’s LGBTQ+ and ally business owners, professionals, and community leaders whose work and dedication empower and unite people through their leadership, service and support.

The Pocono Pride Coalition announced the awardees to be honored at the event:

• Person of the Year: Executive Director and founder of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project Corinne Goodwin

• Business of the Year: Camp Out Poconos

• Ally of the Year: Mount Airy Casino Resort/Mount Airy Foundation

Tickets for the 21-and-over event are $20 and include light fare and musical performances by Rebel Stages, the Monroe County-based Visual and Performing Arts Center, under the direction of Brandon Hanks. A cash bar will also be available.

Advance tickets for the awards ceremony and kickoff party are required. They are on sale at mountairycasino.com.

The actual 2024 Pocono Pride Festival will be Sunday, June 2, on Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg. On Saturday, June 1, Camp Out Poconos will host a series of events at 446 Mt. Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg.

Now in its fourth year, this celebration will feature music and live entertainment on two stages, craft vendors, food trucks, and more. Local drag kings/queens and DJs will provide all-day entertainment and resource tables will be available for those seeking information and resources for staying safe and well.

For more information, visit poconopridefestival.com.