Niagara Pride announces 'Season of Pride' events calendar

Niagara Pride has announced its 2023 “Season of Pride,” what organizers called “a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout Niagara County and all of WNY.”

Events include:

•May 20: Kicking off the list of festivities lined up by Niagara Pride is the WNY Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk.

Organizers said, “We are encouraging participants to run, walk, strut or sashay across the finish line! This fun run/walk event is open to all! This year, we are thrilled to have The Buffalo Sabres Foundation, The Buffalo Bills, and The John Fiore Foundation as sponsors of the event. Additionally, Wegmans will be donating foods for participants. As a special treat, this year’s WNY Pride 5k will have local drag legend, Blair Michaels, performing and music provided by WNY’s only LGGTQ+ radio station, Energy Radio.”

The event will take place at Niagara County Community College, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn. Preregistration for the event is strongly encouraged. Visit www.WNYPride5k.org 10 days prior to the run/walk in order to receive a bib and event merch to wear during the Pride 5K. Registration will take place the day of the event.

Niagara Pride is offering a special discount for the WNY Pride 5k: Students with ID, or veterans and active military, or seniors ages 55-plus can participate for $10. 

Additionally, volunteers are welcome. Organizers said, “We need a number of volunteers to help out with set up, check in, water distribution, clean up.”

To register as a volunteer, visit https://forms.office.com/r/us8qZdmxu2.

•June 1: Pride flag-raising ceremonies will be held across Niagara County, at Artpark in Lewiston (9:30 a.m.), Niagara Falls State Park (10:30 a.m. near the Top of the Falls Restaurant at Terrapin Point on Goat Island), Niagara Falls City Hall (11:30 a.m.), NCCC (1 p.m. inside the Learning Commons) and City of Lockport (3:30 p.m. near City Hall and the Erie Canal).

•June 1-30 – “WNY Shopping With Pride” highlights local LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses. Check them out on www.wnyshoppingwithpride.org.

•June 4 – Niagara Pride at the Buffalo Pride Parade. Organizers said, “Walk/ride with Niagara Pride as we represent Niagara County in the 2023 Buffalo Pride Parade. Meet us at 8 a.m. at Buffalo State.” The parade kicks off at noon.

•June 10 – Newfane Pride. Organizers said, “Join us and our hosts, Calhoon's Pub, as we celebrate pride in Newfane for the second year in row!” Visit https://facebook.com/events/s/newfane-pride/1137875600223928/?mibextid=tejx2t.

•June 17 – Oliver Street Pride. Organizers said, “Pride in North Tonawanda is back! Join Oliver Street Merchant Association and Niagara Pride at this amazing festival in its third year!” Visit https://facebook.com/events/s/3rd-annual-oliver-street-pride/3108432966117624/.

•June 24 – Rainbow City Pride (The Official Pride of Niagara Falls, NY). Pride comes back to Niagara Falls, as Rainbow City Pride will be on Old Falls Street in front of the Convention Center from noon to 5 p.m.

Organizers said, “Join Old Falls Street and Niagara Pride as we bring drag performers from DivasWho!; The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus; various local vendors; meet superheroes from The Justice League of WNY; representatives from other WNY Pride organizations; unicorn-drawn carriage rides; and other pride festivities to the Rainbow City! The best part: It’s all free of charge! For more information, go to: https://facebook.com/events/s/rainbow-city-pride-the-officia/553408743597691/?mibextid=tejx2t.