TWF 356: Pride On The Mile Has Grown So Much In Two Years

 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.

TWF 353 - Pride On The Mile, June 21st!

 Hello, friends,

Just spreading the word about the third annual Pride On The Mile!

As per their post on Facebook, this year's Pride On The Mile is going to consist of:

"New this year:

The Pride Caravan, a rolling celebration of visibility and pride! Registration opens soon (limited space — stay tuned!)

Here’s what else to expect:

 🏳️‍🌈 A bustling vendor market featuring local LGBTQ+ makers and businesses.

🏳️‍🌈 An afternoon festival entertainment and performance. 

🏳️‍🌈 The return of the iconic Dragaret, a ticketed drag showcase you won’t want to miss, followed by an after party. 

🏳️‍🌈 Light activities for all ages to explore and enjoy throughout the day. 

Let’s come together, make memories, and fill the Mile with all the love and pride we can! You won’t want to miss this."

Stay tuned at their Facebook group for more announcements.

TWF 340: First "Pride On The Mile" In Freeport!

 Hello, friends,

Beautiful beginnings are small.  This is just a quick report on my experience at the Freeport "Pride On The Mile" event I talked about in a previous article, the first such event that's been put together.  It's an ongoing event at the time of reporting, with a Drag Show taking place at 8:00 PM.

The event consists of three major events, disclosed here:

I spoke to a wonderful person at the Vendor Fair who referred me to many other events taking place all across Long Island.  The Vendor Fair is small, yet cozy; but that's to be expected for a first-time event.

I stuck around for a couple of performances at Halfway Down.  They were nice, and the place was fairly crowded so that was an awesome thing to see.

Unfortunately, prior obligations have kept me from being able to see tonight's show.  I would have loved to check it out.

Other considerations?  Parking was plentiful (I remember a time when parking was free, too!), though that might fill up as the night goes on.

And it was wonderful to look down the street and see people like me.  It reminds me of the best parts of Freeport.

Which is why it's strange that I didn't see any endorsements from the Chamber Of Commerce.  That was a bit unusual, and should be rectified next time this event is held.

Anyway, you've got some time to get down to Pride On The Mile!

Jesse Pohlman is the editor and all-around show-runner for The Weekly Freeporter.  He's a Sci-Fi/Fantasy author born and raised in Freeport (Well, born at South Nassau, but that's about as close as it gets, these days), whose website can be found here.