Jersey Shore goes rainbow for Asbury Park Pride festival
Jersey Pride hosted its 34th annual LGBTQ+ festival in Asbury Park Sunday, drawing large crowds for what remains the biggest Pride event in New Jersey.
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The Jersey Shore was decked out in rainbows Sunday for the Asbury Park Pride festival.
Jersey Pride hosted its 34th annual LGBTQ+ festival in Asbury Park, which drew large crowds for what remains the biggest Pride event in New Jersey.
“In 1992 when we started, we were looking for a place that was quintessentially New Jersey where we could put the first state-wide LGBTQ festival," said Laura Pople, president of Jersey Pride. "We wanted to do that because we had just passed a law against discrimination to include sexual orientation.”
More than three decades later, the event continues to expand, with many attendees returning year after year.
“This is the best I think it’s ever been. I’ve been coming for five years now with my wife," said Joseph Bielak from South River.
The day began with a lively parade through the streets of Asbury Park, which drew early crowds eager not to miss the spectacle.
“I missed the parade last year because I got here too late," said Summer Franceschini, of Tom's River. "So, this year I got here three hours early, and I took a nap in the car.”
The celebration moved to the beachfront after the parade, where a festival and outdoor concert carried the energy into the afternoon and evening.
“It was lively. It was so encouraging,' said Antonio Amor, a performer at the show. "It was great to see so many people feel like their reflection was on that stage and that they got a chance to feel heard and seen.”
Vendors from throughout the region lined the festival grounds and offered pride-themed merchandise and treats.
"We got a lot of people who were either going to the beach or coming from the beach," said Esadiva Maven, owner of E's Tees and More. "So, I think that added an extra element, like 'come celebrate pride, celebrate community, and get some sun and some sand while you’re at it.'”
Despite some rain earlier in the day, the mood remained upbeat. By the afternoon, the sun broke through to bring even more people out and extending crowds onto the boardwalk.
“Great for business. Asbury [Park] is definitely the place to come for Pride," said Tayron Austin, an employee at MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos. "Because of Pride, the customers are turning up and turning out. So, we love the outcome of pride today.”
