The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds will host the 6th Annual Schuylkill PrideFest this Saturday, June 7, welcoming attendees from across the region for a day-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
The event is scheduled to run from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and admission is free. The festival is also pet-friendly and aims to provide family-friendly entertainment.
The event is organized by Mikaela Gavaletz, Executive Producer and Founder of Schuylkill PrideFest, in coordination with the Board of Directors from Y.E.S., LGBTQ+ Schuylkill. According to Gavaletz, this year’s celebration builds on previous years with expanded entertainment, new educational exhibits, and a greater variety of vendors and community organizations.
“We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming, inclusive event that brings together not just Schuylkill County residents, but also visitors from neighboring areas,” said Gavaletz.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes performances from Danyel Vasquez, a nationally known performer from Akron, Ohio, as well as Morgan Morgan Morgan, who currently holds the title of Miss Gay Pennsylvania America 2023. Organizers say the performances are appropriate for all ages and designed to appeal to a broad audience.
A new addition to this year’s PrideFest is a traveling exhibit titled “The Stonewall Uprising”, presented in partnership with the Stonewall National Museum and Library. The exhibit explores the historical events that took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969, which are widely regarded as a catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
“We’re proud to offer this opportunity to learn more about a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history,” Gavaletz said.
In addition to performances and exhibits, attendees can explore a wide range of vendors and community organizations. Offerings will include:
- Food trucks and dessert vendors
- Local artists and craft booths
- Small businesses and service providers
- Health and human services
- Outreach and advocacy groups
Organizers describe the event as a celebration of diversity and a platform for education, outreach, and community engagement.
Schuylkill PrideFest began in 2020 and has since grown into a regional event drawing participants from across eastern Pennsylvania and beyond.
The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds are located at 2270 Fair Rd, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.