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It’s official — Patchogue is going to host its first-ever Pride parade this June.
James Diele-Stein, who’s on the board of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce and is co-chair of its retail association, told Greater Long Island that the first annual Patchogue Pride Parade is in the works for Sunday, June 4.
That date was approved by the Village of Patchogue during Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting.
Diele-Stein, who is also owner of Patch Print Ship & More in the village and co-chair of the Patchogue chamber’s newly formed Pride committee, said he and his fellow community members have been working on this idea. He wanted Patchogue to have its own parade, just like there are in neighboring towns of Sayville and Babylon.
“We realized we have such a big, big following here in Patchogue that we can do a parade, too,” he said. “We have such a tight-knit community. The outpouring of love and support from people who are just stepping up to the plate are already making this an incredible experience for everybody.”
He pointed to the success of Patchogue’s Pride-themed Alive After Five event in 2019. (Click here for photos from the day.)
“They said it was one of the best Alive After Five events they’ve ever had,” said Diele-Stein.
Last week, Diele-Stein and fellow members of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce met with Mayor Paul Pontieri, who was excited for the then-potential plans.
“We are grateful for the Village’s support to add another event to our active schedule,” said David Kennedy, executive director of the chamber. “Patchogue is such a welcoming community where celebrating who you are is always encouraged so it’s only natural we recognize Pride month and the LGBTQ+ community with a famous Patchogue-style event!”
Diele-Stein said that civic members, business owners and people who came out from the North Shore even want to be involved.
“That’s what is so exciting,” he said. “We’ve been getting an outpouring of support and not one email questioning why we are doing this.”
Details are still being worked out, but keep checking Greater Long Island for more updates as the event gets closer.
Related
Top: Revelers dancing at the 2019 Pride-themed Alive After Five event in downtown Patchogue. (File/ Nick Esposito)
