The free event welcomes members of the LGBTQ-plus community from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and neighboring communities throughout the region, along with their families, friends, local elected officials, supportive organizations, businesses and other allies.

The event features a fashion show presented by the Saranac Lake Youth Center, speakers, exhibits, music and performers from Soma Beats and Pendragon Theatre. Representatives from the Tri-Lakes Animal Shelter will also be on hand, presenting a number of pets available for adoption.

According to Kelly Metzgar, co-founder and executive director of the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance, the event has become increasingly popular.

“Last year, we welcomed so many participants — the number of vendors and exhibitors was overwhelming. We are working to improve the event each year,” she said. “The event, the community’s involvement, local business support, the spontaneity that always seems to occur — it just contributes to the fun. Our lively, creative, decidedly different community really provides a beautiful backdrop.”

A pair of Lawn Chair Ladies dance in the Tri-Lakes Pride parade on Main Street in Saranac Lake on June 30, 2024. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Marbone)

According to organizers, one of the most popular elements of the celebration is the parade, leading attendees through downtown Saranac Lake to Riverside Park. The parade begins at 12 p.m. near the Saranac Lake Post Office, traveling along Broadway and Main Street toward the park; it features local favorites such as The Canoodelers and Lawn Chair Ladies.

Metzgar also explained that the day will be filled with fun and laughter, led by some of the area’s most popular entertainers. Local caricature artist Joe Ferris Art will be on-hand to capture attendees’ exaggerated, comical likeness and Belly Buttons the Clown is sure to make the attendees smile. Mhisty Knights and her drag troupe will provide their unique blend of theatrics and humor to delight the crowd, performing on the main stage.

“The LGBTQ-plus community is incredibly inclusive, so we genuinely hope that everyone comes out to celebrate with us,” commented Metzgar. “We celebrate diversity and, by definition, that means that we celebrate absolutely everyone. The more, the merrier.”

The all-volunteer event organizers are encouraging others to become involved, as they say a great deal of work still needs to be done. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance Facebook page for additional information about the pride event, including sponsorship or volunteer opportunities or email ancga_prideparade@outlook.com.

Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance is also partnering with Bitters and Bones, located at 65 Broadway in Saranac Lake, to host an LGBTQ-plus mixer event on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 28, the Belvedere Restaurant in Saranac Lake will host a drag brunch. Tickets for the brunch can be found at https://tinyurl.com/4vzh758y.

The Adirondack North Country Gender Alliance was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2016 to provide resources, education, information and organize events on behalf of, and to support, the LGBTQ-plus community in Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties. Each year, the organization hosts a number of local events including Adirondack Winter Pride and Transgender Day of Visibility in March, Small Town Pride — ANCGA Malone in early June, Tri-Lakes Pride on the last Sunday of June, Adirondack North Country Pride event in Plattsburgh taking place each fall during LGBTQ-plus history month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November.