Freeport prepares for the second ‘Pride on the Mile’

Last year, Pride on the Mile emerged on Freeport’s Nautical Mile as a beacon of inclusivity, and organizers are now gearing up for the second annual event on Saturday.

Joseph Anthony Smith, a lifelong village resident and a member of the LGBTQ community, dreamed up the event in 2022 after a conversation with Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, about Workman’s enthusiasm for all things drag.

Noting the absence of Pride celebrations in Nassau County, Workman and Smith decided to fill the void in Freeport. They made plans for a small-scale event, but last year’s festivities surpassed expectations. Now its co-creators plan to continue championing visibility and acceptance for all in their vibrant community.

“We were really excited to give something to the community, especially … the young folk, and certainly adults, too, who live here,” Smith said.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Workman added. “We invite you to be here in Freeport, and we invite you to feel comfortable here in Freeport, and that we’re open, and as long as you’re not hurting anybody, it doesn’t matter who you are, who you love. Come and be a part of our community.”

This year, Pride on the Mile promises a vibrant and diverse lineup of activities and events for those of all ages and interests.

The festivities will open up with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Kennedy at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center at 11:45 a.m.

Sparkle on Stage will host a Pride Carnival from noon to 6p.m., featuring a Drag Story Hour starring renowned drag queen Bella Noche, along with magic shows and a unique class called Drama with Your Mama, designed for families.

Attendees can snack on popcorn and cotton candy, and capture memorable moments at themed photo backdrops. For those looking to explore Freeport’s culinary offerings, the Pride Crawl along the Mile will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic routes, with 12 participating restaurants and bars offering special Pride cups and drink deals from noon to 6 p.m.

A Pride Concert will take place at the tent at 175 Woodcleft from noon to 6, as well as live music at Jeremy’s Alehouse at the same time. The concert will feature seven musical acts from a variety of genres.

Freeport Water Taxi will offer Pride boat rides from noon to 6, giving attendees a unique vantage point for the festivities. And the Pride Market, on the Esplanade, will feature a diverse array of vendors all afternoon.

The grand finale will be the Pride Dragaret, at Sparkle On Stage, from 8 to 10 p.m., which will feature performances by three dynamic drag queens, Stella Virgin, Labelle and Tom Catt.

Asked about the future of Pride on the Mile and the possibility of incorporating additional elements, the organizers expressed their eagerness to expand the event, with increased support and funding.

The planning process has been collaborative, with input and suggestions from the community guiding the development of features such as the Pride Passport, a comprehensive guide to the day’s activities available both on paper and digitally.

The event’s co-founders said it was significant for both Freeport and the broader LGBTQ community, as it aims to cultivate a sense of belonging and acceptance. Smith stressed the need for visibility and representation, particularly for local youth searching for identity.

“I’ve been kind of looking for something to … elevate the LGBT community, especially Freeport but certainly in Nassau County,” Smith said, “because … Suffolk County has so many Pride celebrations, and at the time, there really wasn’t much happening here.”

The event is also intended to demystify queer culture for Freeport residents, fostering understanding and unity among people of diverse backgrounds, especially in divisive times.

“The idea is to integrate and to give them a chance to get to know people from different walks of life,” Smith said, “and kind of bring people together with the intention of, you know, spreading positivity and community and togetherness.”

While some activities, like the concert, the vendor market and boat rides are free, others, such as carnival attractions, will have fees. Attendees can purchase tickets or passes at SparkleOnStage.org, or at the event itself at Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center.