First-ever Catskill Pride Festival planned for June 13

CATSKILL—A new celebration is coming to Greene County as organizers prepare for the first-ever Catskill Pride Festival on Saturday, June 13 at Elliott Park.

The free community event will run, rain or shine, from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature a march, live performances, local organizations, food vendors, a children’s crafting area, drag performances, music and community programming aimed at celebrating and supporting LGBTQ residents of all ages.

The festival is the work of local residents Zack Tashoff, Cedar Warner and Jade Goodman who hope to see it become an annual June tradition in celebration of Pride Month.

The group formally incorporated as a non-profit in January. The long-term vision extends beyond the festival itself and includes creating a permanent Greene County Pride Center—a brick-and-mortar community gathering space.

“Our goal is to create a true third space for people,” Warner said.

Warner described that “third space” as a free, welcoming environment outside of home and work where community members can gather, socialize and participate in activities without financial pressure, similar to a public library or community center.

Before launching the festival effort, the trio hosted youth groups, crafting classes and book clubs focused on building inclusive community spaces for LGBTQ residents and allies.

Goodman said the idea for a large-scale Pride festival first emerged during one of the organization’s early “Dine and Dash” events at the Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill. It invited residents to gather over free food and discuss what they wanted to see in the community.

“Catskill has not had a large-scale Pride event like this in many years,” Goodman said. “During one of our first events, community members encouraged us to host something.”

The day’s festivities will begin with a march that steps off from Avalon Lounge at noon and proceeds to Elliott Park. Organizers emphasized that it is intentionally not called a parade as a march is meant to acknowledge queer history.

Special guest emcee Loosi Corkscrewboots will host portions of the festival program, which will include live music, drag performers and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

A children’s area featuring crafts will also be available, and cotton candy and Pride program booklets will be distributed during the event.

The Catskill Artists and Creatives for Housing Equity, known as CACHE, will host sign-making workshops ahead of the march.

Organizers credited community support as a major reason the festival has been able to move forward.

Goodman and Warner specifically thanked volunteers and local partners who donated time, labor and resources to the effort, including Village President Natasha Law who secured a $1,500 grant through the Catskill Community Center, and support from Columbia County Sanctuary Movement.

DJ Hue Man has also donated sound equipment for the festival, including speakers and microphones for live performances.

“We are very community-centered and community-funded,” Warner said.

Goodman said organizers hope the event reflects the needs and voices of local residents.

“We want to put an emphasis that this event is for all of Greene County, not just Catskill,” Goodman said. “We really want to listen to the community and we appreciate their feedback. This event is for them."

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