Hello, friends,
Back in 2023, Freeporters organized and launched Pride On The Mile, a to-become-yearly Pride event centered around celebrating Freeport's incredible diversity in a whole new way.
I mean, growing up Queer in Freeport in the 90's was certainly challenging, but it was also rewarding. I was never as alone as I sometimes felt, and I was never unable to find people like me.
Last year, I wasn't able to attend. I was ill, and I just figured it to be a better idea to stay home and rest up than risk getting anyone sick.
With my neck in quite bad shape, I decided I wanted to definitely get down there this year because I felt like things were different.
And they were.
Now, I lack last years' performance to compare this years' to, but I do remember how relatively small the event was in 2023. It had a few dedicated vendors, some events, some businesses on board.
The first thing I noticed about this years' event was that there were a number of cars in the parking lot with Pride stickers, decorations, and the like.
The second thing I noticed this year was that there was a huge stage set up in the parking lot across from the esplanade, a place where performers could really get a great view of the crowd, and vice-versa.
Also, this year? The vendor section (where I spent most of my limited time) was wonderfully large in comparison to the first time through.
Okay, so some of them were relatively 'normie' things like Mount Sinai and Northwell Health having booths.
It's coming up on election season in Nassau, and I noticed a number of Democratic candidates had boots set up. Didn't see any Republicans that I'm aware of. I wonder why? (No, I don't)
If you read this before it's too late to get down there, try getting down there! There are events all night.
