EASTON, Pa. — Easton on Sunday will have its very first Pride Celebration, and organizers promise to make the city “a little louder, prouder and a whole lot more fabulous.”
Organized by the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Easton Tea Dance, the event is meant to be a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of love, identity and self-expression.
"This is more than just a festival — it’s a declaration of love, belonging and the unstoppable spirit of Easton.”Greater Easton Development Partnership
Activities will start with a Pride flag-raising in Centre Square and end with the sound of beats at Riverside Park.
“Help us make history as we paint the town with pride, joy and acceptance," a GEDP release reads.
"This is more than just a festival — it’s a declaration of love, belonging and the unstoppable spirit of Easton.”
Guests can anticipate “a dazzling day filled with music, movement, and meaning,” whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally or someone who just supports a party with a purpose, the release says.
Presented by Unity Bank, the festival encourages everyone in the community to “show up, show out, and celebrate what makes Easton beautifully diverse.”
The event will be free and open to the public, with all ages and identities — including four-legged friends — welcome. Guests are advised to bring a refillable water bottle and avoid using tobacco.
All proceeds from Easton Pride will be donated to Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and The Swingle Family Foundation.
What the day will offer
The festivities start with the Pride flag-raising in Centre Square at 3 p.m., with speeches from Mayor Sal Panto Jr., Andrew Mai Osborne, Corinne Goodwin and DJ Brad Scott.
The talks will reflect on visibility, progress and the importance of pride in small cities.
At 3:45 p.m., participants can March to the Beat of Your Own Drum, following the Big Easy Easton Brass Band to the Riverside Amphitheater.
Entertainment and activities are scheduled at Riverside Park from 4 to 8 p.m., including music, DJ Brad Scott and shows from drag performers Kali Coutour and Samara LaNegrá.
Community resources will be offered, with local LGBTQIA+ organizations showing what they offer and how local residents can get involved to help raise support year-round.
There will be activities for little ones, including face painting, DIY Pride badge making and photo opportunities.
Easton is newly an Affirming City
Easton recently became the latest Affirming City, solidifying its support for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Just over two weeks ago, City Council passed an Affirming City resolution after hearing multiple members of the community stress the importance of such support in trying times.
“Our young people are scared. They’re watching closely. Let Easton be a beacon of hope, of justice, of leadership."Lafayette College Assistant Director of Intercultural Development and Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Programs Gabby Hochfeld
Lafayette College Assistant Director of Intercultural Development and Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Programs Gabby Hochfeld urged council to uphold the ideals of liberty and equality.
“Our young people are scared," Hochfeld said. "They’re watching closely. Let Easton be a beacon of hope, of justice, of leadership."
Scott spoke on the experience of growing up gay, and how he only truly found his home in Easton — where he said he found community, friends, fans and his husband.
It’s what he wants for other LGBTQ+ individuals who come there, and the resolution would defend that notion, he said.
“It sends a clear message that Easton is not neutral when it comes to human dignity," Scott said.
