Little Falls Pride raises awareness and provides support for our LGBTQIA+ community, while demonstrating that our city is one of acceptance and inclusion.
Something exciting happened in the small, upstate city of Little Falls in the summer of 2021. Their Community Outreach partnered with their Youth & Family Center to bring the first ever Pride celebration to Herkimer County.
The genesis of bringing Pride to Little Falls began with Outreach’s Rainbow Club which is an LGBTQIA+ youth support group. This group was founded in 2019 to provide comradery, discuss current events, learn about the movement’s history, and to simply offer support. Rainbow Club remains available to youth throughout Herkimer County and is not limited to Little Falls or a specific school district.
On the heels of the pandemic, Outreach was holding weekly Zoom meetings for Rainbow Club. During one of these meetings, a member asked, “Why don’t we have a Pride here?” Rainbow Club leadership welcomed the idea and began planning. They approached former mayor, Mark Blask, with the idea and his response was, “That sounds great! Let us know what you need, and we’ll make it happen.” The team at city hall, LFPD, LFFD, and DPW provided outstanding support to make the event a success on June 12, 2021.
That first Pride was held in Burke Park with educational speakers, vendors, entertainment, and a dance party. The Governor’s office was represented by Nathaniel Gray who shared a Pride proclamation from Albany. Gray has since moved on to become the Executive Director of the Capital Pride Center where he works tirelessly to advocate for equality & acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Representatives from the Governor’s office, including Ron Zacchi & Patrick Yacco, have attended each Little Falls Pride in solidarity.
That day, the weather was beautiful, and guests had a great time. During the event, the committee was met with heartfelt appreciation from festival goers. One adult who had long since moved away shared, “I wish there was something like this here when I was growing up… I may not have left.” A younger person declared, “This is the best day of my life!”
The joy and love were palpable, inspiring the committee to approach Blask asking how else the city could show their support of Pride. He offered an official proclamation during the July 2021 common council meeting, declaring the second Saturday in June as Pride Day in Little Falls, anchoring the event in Burke Park. Outreach was represented by staff, board members, and volunteers. What made that moment more memorable was when Blask surprised Rainbow Club member, Dylan Harrer, asking him to come forth and read the proclamation. Harrer stood tall before the city council to read the proclamation as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sometimes the question arises, “Why Pride?” as many are unaware how Pride came to be and why it is still needed today. In June 1969, the Stonewall Riots took place in NYC (roughly 215 miles from Little Falls) and June has since been globally recognized as Pride month. The LGBTQIA+ community celebrates the positive impact their members had, and continue to have, on the world. We remember those who dared to speak out and protect the most vulnerable, honoring their courage. Little Falls Pride raises awareness and provides support for our LGBTQIA+ community, while demonstrating that our city is one of acceptance and inclusion.
Data from the CDC (2022), The Trevor Project (2024), and a 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health report that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14 and third among ages 15-24. LGBTQ youth are at increased risk being more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers with 41% of LGBTQ youth having seriously considered suicide in the past year of the study.
Data also indicates that acceptance from adults is associated with significantly lower rates of suicide attempts among LGBTQ young people. Also reported is that LGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who do not. Programs like Rainbow Club and Pride help to reduce social determinants of health, change outcomes, reduce risk factors, and improve the health of our community.
This year, Pride returns to Little Falls with a kickoff event Friday night (June 7) at the Elks Lodge #42 with a ‘Proud & Loud Party’ from 7-11pm. This event is for ages 18+ and will include snacks & refreshments, with a cash bar available for 21+ only (photo ID required for entry). Guests are encouraged to ‘dress to impress’ for an evening of dancing with tunes by DJ Distortion. There will also be drag performances and other activities including a chance to be named as event royalty!
The main event starts early Saturday (June 8) with the Pride Stride 5K at 9am, starting at Burke Park. This footrace requires advanced registration available online (Runsignup.com). Runners can even create their own team to help fundraise. Awards for the 5K will be announced immediately following the race.
Pride continues at 10am with opening remarks from the event co-chairs and community leaders. The festival will include numerous non-profit agencies tabling with info on their services, vendors selling merch, food trucks, and outdoor activities. Educational speakers, music, and live performances will take place throughout the day concluding at 4pm.
There will be tented seating available and porta potties on site. Guests are welcomed to bring their own folding chairs or blankets, if they prefer, and even bring a picnic to enjoy in the park. Of course, it is a public park, so alcohol is prohibited, and glass bottles are not preferred. For festival goers interested in bringing their dog, please consider whether they can handle the excitement. The park will be filled with people, music, and activities. Free street parking will be available.
Later that evening, The Renaissance Pub welcomes the public (no cover charge) to their Pride After Party beginning at 6pm. It’s a great opportunity for the 21+ crowd to meet up and continue the celebration.
As with all great events, financial support is appreciated. There are sponsorship opportunities available ranging from $100-$500, although any amount is helpful. Volunteers will also help make the day a success.
For more information, please visit www.lfcommunityoutreach.com or visit the Facebook page.
Cited data sources:
(1) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Facts About Suicide (2022)
(2) The Trevor Project Facts About LGBTQ Youth Suicide (2024)
(3) 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
(4) Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020
