Schuylkill PrideFest is returning to its roots this year as the annual celebration comes back to the City of Pottsville, where the event was originally founded.
The City of Pottsville has partnered with organizers by making municipal parking facilities at Union Station available for festival attendees. In addition to parking provided by Alvernia University, visitors may also use the municipal lot behind Union Station at the corner of Union Street and Progress Avenue, just off Route 61.
Complimentary shuttle service aboard Molly the Trolley will transport attendees throughout the day from designated parking areas to Barefield Recreational Park, the home of Schuylkill PrideFest. Trolley service will begin at 11:30 a.m.
The festival officially gets underway at noon on Saturday, June 20, and will feature food trucks, art and craft vendors, businesses, community organizations and service providers offering information and resources.
A major attraction this year will be the nationally recognized traveling exhibit, "The Stonewall Uprising," presented by the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library. The exhibit highlights the events of June 1969 and the historic uprising widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and Pride celebrations around the world.
Entertainment will begin between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. with performances by Divinity and Morgan Morgan Morgan, followed by music from a DJ throughout the afternoon. A second drag performance is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
New for this year's event is a sports and recreation theme designed to add even more family-friendly activities. Organizers are encouraging attendees to come prepared to participate in volleyball, basketball and cornhole games.
A Drag 101 class will also be offered from 3 p.m. until approximately 3:30 or 3:45 p.m. in the grass area, providing an opportunity for those interested in learning more about the art form.
Organizers say Schuylkill PrideFest has always emphasized visibility, awareness and education while providing a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Schuylkill PrideFest organizers thanked the City of Pottsville and Alvernia University for their partnership and support in helping make the celebration accessible to everyone.
The festival is scheduled to conclude at 6 p.m.